What is called Agama, Temples and similar Questions - SCIENCE OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTIONS

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Message from Bharath-Heritage,   on    06. 05.2004

Agamas and Science and Art of Temple Construction - Part 1

Introduction

Ancient cultures for centuries all across the continents built huge structures

for places of worship, observatories, burial places. The size and layout was so

complex and perfect to indicate that the basis of such constructions must be

sound scientific principles of most advanced branches of engineering sciences.

The need of such huge places also must have been dictated by more pressing and

practical concerns in public policy, agriculture and public health than just to

show the pomp of a king. Other than in India and across east Asian Buddhist

countries spanning from China to Japan, most of these structures all over the

world were now available in ruins or completely destroyed. This harmful but

successful destruction was perpetuated from 4th century onwards by various

plethora of groups religious zealots, hate groups, nomadic tribes, Arabs,

Christians, etc as a tool to propagate their religion and intimidate existing

cultures and traditions. In the

modern day, when such atrocious acts cannot be perpetuated the same groups are

using multinational corporations, rebellious groups, Islamic Fundamentalists,

Right wing hate groups and missionaries to destroy these structures in the name

of land reforms, modernization of agriculture, industrialization and if nothing

works by engineering and creating terrorist and separatist groups. Recently, a

spate of these structures are being discovered in middle east, South America,

North America, Europe, India and Australia on land and under sea. These newly

discovered sites remarkably resemble in design, content and construction, with

existing Oriental (Asian, Indian) structures. In the absence of any knowledge

about these structures in India or in Asia or deliberately omitting them from

even mentioning as existing, or by deliberately not encouraging the

authoritative texts in this field of architecture dealing with such

constructions from being translated in to

western languages, the western academia is throwing lot of new theories of

speculative nature. Their bias towards Judo- Christian origin and development of

civilization is so missionary that they even want to destroy these texts by

encouraging third world governments to not to support the small press that helps

to publish the texts that deal with the scientific principles of such

constructions. The knowledge for most part of the time handed over in through

the oral tradition of learning Shruthi, has to be printed and preserved before

the knowledgeable persons in these fields completely vanish. Even in places from

India to Japan where these mind boggling super structures are preserved intact

along with the texts and commentaries, thousands of practitioners in the

designing and engineering fields of the above field of science exist, the bias

of the same academicians both western and western trained native scholars, is

creating a plethora of speculative

theories to discredit the genuine scholars in the above disciplines and condemn

them. Due largely to lack of support from mainstream academicians, limitations

of language and the governmental negligence towards those who can interpret the

texts, explain the science and art of the process of the construction are fast

vanishing. This book is an attempt to lift the so called modern scientific

disciplines archeo-astronomy and archeology from such bias and academic

dishonesty to valid non biased academic sciences and to give boost to all those

silent scholars to continue their work. This book is an attempt to translate the

vast array of texts that exist in the above scientific fields so that the

researchers will be able to make an informed decision.

From the time the Vedas codified the engineering sciences dealing with

construction-be it at individual level (house, farm yard, etc) or at macro level

(village, town, city planning, forts, irrigation, roads, canals etc) are grouped

under generic field of knowledge called Sthapathya Veda (Science of Forms) or

Shilpa Veda (Science of Creation). Sthapthya Veda is the Upa Veda (supplementary

branch) for Atharva Veda. Within Sthapathya Veda the planning, designing,

construction of individual houses, farms, and villages, towns, cities, roads,

canals, parks, irrigation, public works etc are codified under Vasthu Sasthra

(Science of Structural Formations). The planning, engineering, designing, of

community places of worship, temples, sacrificial altars are codified under

Agama Sasthra (Science of Temple Construction).

The Source of Agamas

Agamas draw their theory and practice from many sources. The following is the

brief description of the various sources of Agamas.

The Vedas

The contents of the ancient texts referred to as Vedas can be summarized with

the single Sanskrit word dharma (that which evolves into omniscience). Vedas are

vast and comprehensive body of knowledge, properly known in its entirety as

Shruti, though generally referred to as simply Vedas, they encompass literally

tens of thousands of texts of many classifications, including those properly

called Vedas, as well as collections called Brahmanaas, Aranyakaas, Upanishads,

Prathisakhyas, Shroutha Suthraas, Gruhya Suthras, Samhithas, Puranas, Upavedas,

Vedaangaas, Darshanas, etc. The actual dates of composition and compilation of

the Vedas (Shruti) is made in to a dispute by biased western linguists and

Missionary Fathers who do not want to accept anything older than 7,000 years as

that is the date of creation according to New Testament, or King James version

of bible. No other scientists belonging to any other behavioral sciences or

history or archeology never

ever made any attempt so far to date these texts in any scientific way

conceivable. According to Indian Vedic scholars, Vedic Knowledge exists for ever

as it deals with forces or force of creation, evolution and dissolution of

Universe(s) which the Vedas call with a feminine noun Sakthi or neuter noun

Brahman. It is only Rishis, sages or seers in their evolved states of

consciousness realizes the knowledge and transmits the same (the Process of

Becoming a Rishi and the methodology of acquiring true knowledge) to the

interested individuals with out any cost or tuition fees by way of Oral

Tradition of Teaching called Shruthi. Historically the first compilation of the

Vedas in written book form was completed by Rishi Veda Vyasa at the beginning of

kali era for the coming generations. It is believed that in the kali era the

human mind will not be capable of remembering such vast annals of information

and knowledge. So it is simple fact that if we determine

the beginning of the present kali era then we know the first compilation date

of the Vedas in textual form. But unfortunately none of the linguists or

academicians are any where close to even accept the historical account of

ancient Indian texts. By discarding the ancient Indian texts as mythology

plethora of unscientific standards were created since Mr. Max Muller a catholic

priest, funded by British first proposed the solar and lunar myth stories as the

origin of Vedas. Also, though deliberately and totally side lining one of the

most important hisorical treatise of KALHANA, the official hiostorian of Kashmir

Kings who details dynasties of kings after the war of Kurukshetra which is

officially the starting date of Kali era, and by claiming that the text written

by Kalhana is nothing but his imagination, another important historical source

is burried and paved way for erroneous theories. The first official dating of

the origin of Vedas was given to be

around 1500 B.C. The reason for this conclusion is that there was a mention of

gold in Vedas and thus they must have been written after the discovery of gold,

and as of then (during the time of Mr. Maxmuller) it is established that

Egyptians used gold 2500 B.C., logically Vedas must have been written in 1500

B.C. According to modern archeological and astro-archeological evidence

scientists accepted the first compilation of the Vedas must have been

accomplished between 450,000 B.C. to 420,000 B.C. (dating confirmed by modern

techniques such as carbon dating, thermo luminescence dating, sattelite imagery)

but still concurs with the 1500 B.C. dating by philologists and linguists with

no hard core scientific evidence from archeology, anthropology and archeo

astronomy because of Judeo Christian bias. In order to over come to the

scientific findings, they came up with a technique called Calibrated Carbon

Dating. This simply means if there is proof from

advanced sciences that and existing structure dates back to thousands of years,

and we cannot explain the phenomenon, then the scientists can reduce the actual

date to suit the accepted social and behavioral theories. For example if a

temple in South America dates back to say 30000 B.C. then as it is anomaly and

we have to accept that there is civilization in Americas long before Moses and

Abraham, which does not fit accepted academic thought, we can conveniently say

despite scientific evidence to the contrary, that the temple is only 3000 years

old to suit the existing theories of migrations of people across Americas. The

process is calibrated carbon dating comes handy in these situations. This method

started just two years before.

The Vedas form the basis of what to the West is now known as Hinduism and

Buddhism, but in the East is called simply " followers of Dharma " . As discussed

earlier these Vedas, or Shruti, are said to have been compiled under the general

direction of the sage Maharishi Veda Vyasa. Working with four of his principal

disciples, who in turn oversaw the work of thousands of other sages, they

collected and compiled existing works from a wide variety of sources after

ascertaining which were authentic records of true knowledge. All of those sages

involved in the collecting and compiling of these works, as well as the authors

whose works were selected to be included in the Vedas (Shruthi), are believed to

have been rishis or enlightened beings.

After the whole of this Vedic literature had been collected and compiled, these

works were then fully and exhaustively indexed and cross-referenced, so that the

result is a closed system of knowledge. There is, therefore, no dispute as to

which existing works form an authentic part of these collections--if it is not

listed in the indexes, it cannot claim to be a part of Shruti (Vedic)

literature. It is for these reasons that those who call themselves " followers of

Dharma " tend to consider the actual Vedic or Shruti literature as the final

written authority in ascertaining truth. The authors of this work, despite many

years of intensive study of thousands of Vedic texts, have found no

contradictions within these works.

Each of the Veda has an Upa Veda or Supplementary Veda. The following table

summarizes the Vedas and their Upa Vedas

 

 

 

 

 

S.No

 

Veda

 

Upa Veda

 

Rough English Equivalent

 

 

1.

 

Rig Veda

 

Ayur Veda

 

Codex of Life

 

 

2.

 

Yajur Veda

 

Dhanur Veda

 

Codex of War

 

 

3.

 

Sama Veda

 

Gandharva Veda

 

Codex of Vibration

 

 

4.

 

Atharva Veda

 

Sthapathya Veda

 

Codex of Forms

Each Veda or Upa Veda is a Codex of hundreds or some time even thousands of

individual texts which incorporate various styles of presentation of a

particular subject matter under consideration.

Darshanas

The subject matter of the Vedas (Shruti) is classified into twelve broad general

branches called Darshanas. For each branch there exists one apex text with and

appendix Darshana or Sutra. Each Darshana serves to summarize and codify the

whole of the knowledge on its given subject, the details of which are

distributed among the vast array of Vedic literature. Encyclopedic in scope,

they (darshanas) touch upon all aspects of a given subject, leaving the specific

details to other Vedic branches. The following table summarizes the 12

darshanas. The first six of these darshanas provide theoretical basis for the

latter six. The latter six are in a way interpretations of the first six

darshanas in a given context that dictate either social or individual behaviour.

 

 

 

 

 

S.No

 

Darshana

 

Rough English Equivalent

 

 

1.

 

Vaisheshika

 

Entire Physical Sciences

 

 

2.

 

Samkhya

 

Applied Sciences

 

 

3.

 

Nyaya

 

Emperical Sciences

 

 

4.

 

Yoga

 

Behavioral Evolution Spiritual

 

 

5.

 

Mimansa-Purva

 

Behavioral Evolution-Social, Individual

 

 

6.

 

Mimansa-Uttara

 

Theoretical and Empirical Sciences dealing with Absolute

 

 

7.

 

Charvaka

 

Materialistic Interpretation

 

 

8.

 

Jaina

 

Ascetic Interpretation

 

 

9.

 

Vaibhashika

 

Environmental/Social interpretation

 

 

10.

 

Soutantrika

 

Tantric Interpretation-Individual Level

 

 

11.

 

Yogacara

 

Agamic and Yogic Interpretation-Social Level

 

 

12.

 

Boudha

 

Balanced Interpretation of 7 & 8

All Darshanas belonging to Upa Vedas are either unavailable, burnt, lost, are

given away to many universities across USA, Germany, Canada by Indian immigrants

whose ancestors preserved them from centuries of oppression or still preserved

either in Napal or in Tibet in monastries where they were taken when Nalanda and

Taxila Universities were burned by the aliens. The apex text Shilpa Sutras

supposed to be written by Maharishi Viswakarma or Sthapathya Sutras is not

available.

Though Agama philosophy is referred to within each of these Vedas, the general

principles of all elements of Agamas are found primarily within the Atharva Veda

and in its branches or declensions, and codified in Shilpa sutras. Expanding

upon the general outline contained in Atharva Veda are the Shilpa Sutras by

Rishi Viswakarma. In addition to the apex Sutra Literature, there are Vedic

sources which can be divided in to six tiers: 1)Upanishads, 2)Samhithas, 3)

Tantras 4) Agamas and 5)Pradipikaas, Karikas, Matas 6) Vyakhyanas (Special

renderings or commentaries).

1. Upanishads

The second tier of Vedic texts which deal with Shipa Sastra (Agamas and Vasthu),

the Sthapathya Upanishads, supposed to be one hundred and twenty in number, and

they serve to expand upon the basic principles of and practices of Agamas

presented in the Vedas proper. It is here that the most precise presentation of

the techniques and practice of design, construction techniques, layouts are

found, making the Shilpa Upanishads among the more important source material for

the present text.

2. Samhitas

After the Upanishads are the Samhithas, which provide for still further

elaboration. Samhitha means " a compiled scientific text " , indicating that the

author has assembled information from existing Vedic sources (Shruti) and

presented it in a very structured and precise format. There are hundreds of

Samitha texts that deal with all elements and aspects of Agamas. Here all the

concepts outlined within the Sthapathya Upanishads and Vedas proper are

presented in great detail.

All minute details pertaining to carving of idols, worship methodologies, the

performance of proper yagnas, proper celebrations on particular festive days,

the precise size, shapes of idols etc are found in greater detail. Thus the

Samhithas represent the most significant source material on the different Agama

schools. Most important among these samhithas are Mrigendra Samhita, Viswamitra

Samhita, Padma Samhita etc.

3. Tantras

The third level of Vedic sources on Agamas are Tantras. These form the most

important basis of Agamas. They deal with very minute details of training the

worshippers, initiation in to the process of worship, daily worship

methodologies for different deities, daily celebrations, festivals etc.

Tantraraja Tantra, Kularnava Tantra, Malini Vijaya Tantra, Lakshmi Tantra,

Satwata Tantra Vamakeswara Tantra are few to mention. These texts specifically

state for for which Agama they belong to as they deal with worship details for a

particular diety. Some of the Tantras even explain the methods of individual

house hold worship

4. Agamas

Agamas are the fourth level of the sources. These texts end with the suffix

Agama signifying that they specifically deal with theory of Agama only and not

with the theory of Vasthu. The other mentioned above sources are applicable to

Vasthu and Agama. These are very specific and prescice in their nature, scope

and presentation. Some Agama texts were even written to explain one particular

temple's construction. Some times they deal with one aspect of a particular god

like Lalitha aspect of Sakthi. Some of the important texts are Roravottara

Agama, Vatula Sudha Agama, Karana Agama, Kamika Agama, Vaikhanasa Agama etc.

5. (Pra) Dipikas, Karikas and Matas

The Fifth level of Vedic sources, the Pradipikas, (additional Explanations) are

renderings by great yogis of the information found in greater detail within the

Samhithas Upanishads. There are many Pradipikas on Agamas. Of all Prapancha Sara

by Sri Sankaracharya is a very important text in Sakthi Agamas. Shiva Kamini

dipika is an important text among Shiva Agamas.

Karika means a specific scientific explanation for a specific subject matter

under consideration. These are written by the practicing Agama Teachers, Shilpis

at different times as a research presentations to reinforce the scientific

principles behind a particular Agama theory. Sri Tatva Chintamani, Pratyabhigna

Karika are such Texts

Matha means opinion. It is the rendering or approach towards a particular Agama

Principle, theory by practicing Shilpi, at a particular geographical location or

after a particular astronomical event or after a particular lapse of time

(usually more than 432,000 year cycles). These rendering are made only to make

the agama theory workable after a major astronomical or geological event in the

process of evolution. This is like a corolory to the main theory or an exception

under certain given circumstances. Maya Mata (practiced in Americas, north and

south, in native Indian cultures and by Mayans, Azetics, Tolemics etc),

Viswakarma Mata (as practiced in Africa, Europe) are such two important texts.

6. Vyakhyanas

At sixth level are the Vyakhyaanaas. These sources are different arrangements of

the existing Agamic knowledge made by various yogis/shilpis for the use of

students at a specific time. All of these sources made it very clear that their

rearrangements were made only for the convenience of aspiring students, and were

in no way intended to expand upon, enlarge, refute or replace any of the

teachings or systems of thought of the preceding Vedic sources. Thus these

arrangements and names are not be mistaken as separate " branches " or schools of

Agamic philosophy.

Definition of Agama

agnavasthu samanthaasya gamyatha ithyaagamoo mathaha

tanuthe trayathe nithyam  tantra mithi viduhu budhaha

 

Sabda kalpa Druma

The ever expanding and contracting forms of manifestation/creation (movable and

non movable) and the relation between them is explained, so it is called Agama.

The knowledge of Agama tries to synchronize and protect the delicate balance of

creation, so it is also termed as Tantra.

tanothi vipulanaarthaan tantra mantra samavithaan

traanam cha kuruthe yasmaathanthramithyabhidhhiyathe

Kamika Agama. Tantra Tara Patala.

As the detailed explanations is provided for protecting the existing creation it

is called Tantra.

As we have seen Agama's primary purpose is to protect existing creation. Provide

scientific explanations for the acts done under the Agama Texts. What is

creation ? The theory of creation in the Vedas has three different aspects and

are discussed in three different stages.

Different Stages of Theory of Creation

I. Stage 1: Consciousness/Energy level (like quarks and beyond) -- sat chit

ananda Truth Existence Consciousness.

 

 

 

 

 

S.No

 

Name

 

Rough Translation

 

Rough English Equivalent

 

Example

 

 

1.

 

Sudha

 

Pure concious and energy States

 

Multi dimensional form

 

Brahman

 

 

2.

 

Asudha

 

Pure Material States

 

Three Dimensional form

 

durga

 

 

3.

 

Misra

 

States of Dual Existence-both matter and energy

 

Two Dimensional form

 

sri chakra

II. Stage 2: Systems and Subsystems (like nebuelas, exploding stars, black

holes, milky way and Solar Family) -- avarana or koshas: (Subtle Manifestation)

1. Sakthi Kosa : Energy subsystem like exploding stars nebuellas

2. Maya Kosha : Intermediaries of energy and matter (Quarks, Barons, Yaxions,

atoms, electrons, etc.)

3. Prasuthi Kosha: Material systems like solar family milky way galazy

4. Prakrithi Kosha: Material Subsystems like 9 planets within solar family etc

5. Jiva Kosha: The conscious princple that interacts with the above systems and

subsystems

III. Stage 3: Gross Manifestation ---nama rupa

1. Varna :(Vibrations): Para, Vaikhari, Pasyanthi, Madhyama called Sristi

-process of evolution

2. Nivrithi :(Systems): Pratishtha, Vidya, Santi, Santiatita. Prati sristhi

-process of dissolution

3. Pada :(Grades of Matter): Jagrathi, Swapna, Sushupthi, Tuiya. -Transformation

stages in the process of evolution and dissolution

4. Tathva:(Types of matter): Dravya, Guna, Karma, Samanya, Samavaya, Elemental

matter and its properties

5. Mantra :(energy coefficients, Languages): 14 Matrikaas called Maheswara

Sutraas,energy expression modes like languages, noise, sounds of various nature,

frequencies, audiable, subtle, and the dynamics of sound light transformations

(Sono Luminiscence) etc.

6. Bhuvana : 14 Differing planes of consciousness associated with the above 5

categories.

Agama Branches

The ancient sages understood that the entire cosmos is nothing but overlaying

and intermixing forces/energies mediated by massive heavenly bodies appearing

and disappearing at regular intervals creating a chain of perpetual evolutionary

life forms called samsara. These evolutionary systems influence each other far

and near either in positive or negative direction and affect various forms of

manifested species differently. For the evolution to continue, it is primary to

keep the species insulated from negative influences and provide positive energy

influences to the maximum extent. That is the purpose of Agamas. This above

mentioned concept of the creation and protection of the delicate balance between

species and gross matter is elaborated through various branches of Agamas. All

these branches start with the name of a deity. It is understood that each deity

represent a specific energy state with certain parameters, and associated with

certain aspects of

gross manifestation. So by mentioning the deity name as prefix, particular

Agama suggests that its scope of subject matter is limited to the energy state

symbolized by the deity and the manifested material states that are directly or

indirectly related to that energy state. The following 11 are the main branches

of Agamas. Each branch contains thousands of texts associated with it.

1. Saktha 2. Vaishnava 3. Shaiva 4. Ganapathya 5. Svyambhuva (Brahma) 6. Chandra

7. Saura 8. Pasupatha 9. Kalamukha 10. Cina 11. Jina.

The first three and 7 are available now either in full and in part. Rest are

either presumed lost or in safe custody either Nepal or China or Tibet.

Agama Padas (categories)

Each branch of Agama will have many texts and commentaries associated with it.

Within each branch or within a particular text under consideration the

information will be presented in the following broad categories.

1.Gnana Padam (Scientific Explanations) 2. Yoga Padam (Unifying methodology of

the agama Process and Symbolism) 3. Kriya Padam (Procedural Methodology) 4.

Charya Padam. (Brhavioural Methodology)

1. Gnana (Jnana) Padam (Knowledge and Information and explanations)

What ever is discussed in the above three padas are technically and

scientifically explained in this part. All needed information like why this is

done and why this is not done are explained with from three perspectives or

modes of interpretations.

1. Adhibhoutika: Purely scientific perspective

2. Adhi Daivika: Socio Environmental Perspective

3. Adhi Atmika: Spritual Perspective

2. Yoga Padam (Unfying Methodology of the Process and symbolism)

How the energy manifests in differing states, how to tap it, how to hold it, how

to avoid the unwanted energies and use them for the evolution of the mankind,

how to transfer the energy held in a place for the people living in that place,

by building temples, houses, ashramas.

3. Kriya Padam (Procedural Detail)

How to hold the energies in three dimensional structures, like temples,

ashramaas, houses. It also details as how to construct the above said structures

4. Charya Padam (Behaviour Methodology)

How the deities are carved, worshiped in temples, houses which have the

compatible three dimensional shapes for the state of the energy in a particular

place. The special, and particular and individual and place specific worships

are to be performed given the energy content of a place. This also specifies the

process of the linkage between the dual interpretation methodology followed by

Agamas called Antaryagam and Bahiryagam of Charya Padam.

Dual interpretation technique of Agama Padas

Each and every aspect mentioned in the above four broad categories have two

different interpretations associated with them. 1. Bahiryagam. External

interpretation, which is basically why this thing is done now and how this is to

be done. 2. Antaryagam. Internal interpretation, which gives a spiritual

connotation to the process performed under a particular agama category and is

aimed at serious spritual seeker. This internal interpretation suggests to the

spritual seeker that the entire external practices can in fact be taken as steps

in one's spritual progress of self realization.

Six Goals of Agamas

All the 11 branches of Agamas aim at 6 fundamental goals to achieve. They are as

follows

1. Utchatana - Vertical integration of natural energies (elecromagnetic,

gravitional etc) maintaining the balance of nature

2. Stambhana - Create and increase energy with holding capabilities of a

particular place

3. Marana - Destroy the negetive energy influences over a particular area

4. Bhedana - Split diferent energies within a given area to maintain balance of

nature

5. Santhi - Maitaining the balance of nature with social progress

6. Pushti - Nourishing the nature and species so that evolution progresses.

Grouping of Agama Goals

All the 11 branches of Agamas will be dedicated to do one or other goals

mentioned above. The above 6 goals are devided in to 3 main groups. And they are

called by the three deity names. These names are used to indicate the extent and

scope of each group of goals. The following table summarizes the grouping and

gives reason for picking up a particular deity name for the branch.

 

 

 

 

 

S.No

 

Group Name

 

Goals Pursued

 

Reason

 

 

1.

 

Saktheya Agamas

 

UCHATANA, STHAMBHANA

 

Devine Mother the source of all

 

 

2.

 

Shaiva agamas

 

MARANA, BHEDHANA

 

Responsible for dissolution

 

 

3.

 

Vaishnava agamas

 

SANTHI, PUSHTHI

 

Responsible for preservation of dharma

The same system of grouping is used to classify Agama texts. As all the six

goals are so important for the maintaining the balance of nature and for the

evolution of human beings Acharya Pingala who wrote Pingala Mata states that

" aagatham panchavakthraathu gatham cha giriraajaananee

matham cha vaasudevasya cha tasmaadaagamamuchyathe "

That which comes from Shiva is A and when it merges with Sakthi is GA and the

same is when approved by Vishnu it is MA thus it is called Agama. In other

words, after all negative energy forces withholding the evolution are destroyed

(A), and all positive energies and influences are put in place (GA) then the

evolution goes unhindered (MA).

AGAMA TEXTS

1. Sakth(ey)a Agamaas Saktheya Agamas are grouped under two types. Dakshina and

Vaama (wrongly used as right and left as the literary meaning of the words

dakshina is right and vama is left). These are also called Samaya and Koula.

Actually Dakshina means that which has duality in it. So in this system, Dualism

is important aspect in the beginning. Vama means that which measures by prana

life force. Its approach is advaitik non dualistic in nature. So samaya or

Dakshina predominantly use Puranic methodology of rituals and Vama or Kula use

Tantric methodology of rituals. The total number of Agama groups under the above

two types are seventy seven (77).

The total number of Saktheya agamas are classified under 3 categories. Five (5)

groups are called Sudha or Samaya Agamaas (Dakshina Agamas dualistic in nature),

sixty four 64 are called as Kula Agamaas (Vama Agamas, monoistic in nature), and

the remaining eight (8) are called as Misra Agamaas ( both samaya and vama

agamas, dualistic and monoistic in nature).

Theoretical Basis

The Dakshina or Samaya Agamaas declare that Tantra is Vidya and they are part of

the Vedas. So through the deities any seeker can realize the essence of Vidya

(realization) as explained in the Vedas and merge with the supreme brahman.

The Vama and Kula declare that the whole of the Vedas itself is Tantra and 

this Vidya is nothing but the Para Sakthi and she is not different from the

spritual seeker.

The Misra takes the approach of both and preaches that in the beginning the need

of deity is there but in the end seeker becomes the deity. Ultimately, all the

three preaches the unison with the Brahman (Supreme Conciousness) perceived as

Sakthi.

The most Important Saktha Agamaas are

1. Tantra Raja Tantra

2. Vamakeswara Tantra

3. Rudrayaamala Tantra

4. Kulanrnava Tantra

5. Bala Patala Tantra

The following are the commentaries on these Agama texts by great saints.

 

 

 

 

 

S.No

 

Name

 

Author

 

 

1.

 

Prapancha Sara

 

Acharya Sankara

 

 

2.

 

Sarada Tilaka Tantra

 

Lakshmana Desika

 

 

3.

 

Varivasya Rahasya

 

Bhaskara Raya

 

 

4.

 

Agama Vagisa Tantra Sara

 

Krishnananda

 

 

5.

 

Sri Tatva Chintamani

 

Poornaananda Paramahansa Parivraajaka

 

 

6.

 

Commentary on Soundarya Lahari

 

Lakshmi Dhara

2. Shiva (Shaiva) Agamaas :

All these agamaas hold shiva as supreme deity along with Para Sakthi. The

purpose of this mode of worship is to use various energy forms for destruction

of negative influences. The Shaiva Agamaas are classified in to eleven (11)

schools of thought depending on the need and mode of usage of Energy. These are

called as Sidhanthaas or established scientific theories.

1.Shiva 2. Pasuphatha 3. Karunika 4. Kapalika 5. Kalamukha 6. Vama 7. Langala 8.

Soma 9. Bhairava 10. Nakula 11. Pratyabhijna.

Nakula and Langala are grouped under Nakuli Sapa Supata. The Shiva Sidhantha

contains 4 sub groups. They are 1. Samanya Shiva 2. Poorna Shiva 3. Misra Shiva

4. Sudha Shiva

Among the above eleven (11) only three sidhantas are available. The rest are

presumed lost or in safe custody in either China, Tibet or Nepal. The available

three sidhantas are 1. Shiva 2. Pasupatha 3. Pratyabhijna.

Theoretical Basis

All the available Sidhantas propose worship of Shiva with 5 facets 1. Sadyojatha

2. Vamadeva 3. Tatpurusha 4.Aghora 5. Isana. They preach the process of self

realization (shiva realization) through Vidya, Kriya and Yoga. The objective is

removing the pasu (beast) from pasa (bondage of material worls) by pati

(protector that is shiva). During this process the following 5 principles are

studied.

1. pati protector

2. jiva individual jiva

3. yoga process of yoga

4. niyama scriptural rules

5. dhukanta. Process of practice

The above self realization or Shiva realization can be achieved by the following

approaches called Upayas. There are three types of Upayas behavioural

methodologies.

 1. Anavopaya

 2. Sakthopaya

 3. Sambhavopaya.

These Upayas guide in the path of Karma (action) which leads to Gnana (knowledge

and self realization) and finally lead to Vidya Supreme realization. There are

120 Agamaas in these three sidhantas available.

Shiva Sidhanta Agamas

Of the one hundred and twenty existing agamas, 28 agamaas belong to Shaiva

Sidhantha School, and are classified under 4 heads.

1. Kamika Agamaas 2. Karana Agamaas 3. Suprabhedha Agamaas 4. Vathula and Veera

Agamaas. The last one are very important in this tradition.

Pasupatha and Pratyabijna Sidhanta Agamas

Under the Pasupatha and Pratyabhigna Sidhantha (These systems are Advaithic

(monoistic), Dvaithic (Dualistic) and Dwaithaadwaithic (Qualified

monodualistic). There are 92 agamaas under these sidhantas and are classified in

to 64 schools of thought.

Trika school of thought is the most complex among them and it consists three (3)

parts. They are 1. Pratyabhigna Sasthra 2. Agama Sasthra 3. Spanda Sasthra. This

Trika is the basis of the Shivite Worship in Kashmir. This is the most

exhaustive System of the Shaiva Agamaas which is highly scientific and

technical. A part of this is followed in South India by various Shiva Acharyaas.

The following are the important treatise on the Shaiva Agamaas

 

 

 

 

 

S.No.

 

Name

 

Author

 

 

1.

 

Siva Gnana Prabhodha Sutra

 

Mekanda Deva

 

 

2.

 

Sivagnana Bhasya

 

Sivagra Yogi

 

 

3.

 

Brahma mimansa

 

Srikantha Sivacharya

 

 

4.

 

Shivakamanidipika

 

Appaya Dikshitha

 

 

5.

 

Srikara Bhasya

 

Srikara Panditharadhya

 

 

6.

 

Advaitha in Shaiva Agamas

 

Trayambaka

 

 

7.

 

Shiva Drishthi

 

Somananda

 

 

8.

 

Pratyabhigna Suthra

 

Utpala Deva

 

 

9.

 

Pratyabhigna Karika

 

Utpala Deva

 

 

10.

 

Tantra Loka

 

Abhinava Guptha

 

 

11.

 

Malinivijaya Varthika

 

Abhinava Guptha

 

 

12.

 

Pratrimsika Vrithi

 

Abhinava Guptha

 

 

13.

 

Paramartha Sara

 

Abhinava Guptha

3. Vishnu (Vaishnava) Agamas

Vaishnava Agamaas are three types, 1. Vaikhanasa and 2. Pancha Rathra. 3. Sri

Sasthra. The Pancharathra accepts the mode of Vedic and Tantric worship. The

Vaikhanasa accepts Vedic worship. The Vaikhanasa system is called Ekayana. The

Sri Sasthra which is the scientific basis for the both agamas is not available

now. To fill the gap the Pancha Ratra system is vitalized with revived parts of

Sri Sastra.. Actually Ekayana or Vaikhanasa is one of the Declencions (sakhas)

of the Yajur Veda compiled under the direction of Sage Vaikhanasa, and this

declension is not available and the Agama for this declencion is existing in the

form of Vaikhanasa Agama.

Theoretical Basis

The Vaishnava Agamas uphold Lord Vishnu as the supreme brahman along with Sri or

Maha Maya. Though these agamas are sudha dwaitik (pure dualistic) in the initial

stages they propose the Advaithic (monoistic) philosophy in their final stages.

As these agamas are for the welfare of the society they propose eloborate

festival and ritual practices which are absent in the other two systems of

Agamas.

The Vaikhanasa mode of worship stresses that the worship of Vishnu is to be done

with out expectation of results or benifits. The vaikhanasa proposes the process

of Karma Sanyasa (non atachment twards acton) and Phala Sanyasa (non attachment

towards result). Both Agama types stresses the importance of Gnana (knowledge),

Karma (action), and Bhakthi (devotion). The sudha dwaitha (pure dualism) system

of realization is adopted in the Vaishnava agamas in the initial stages.

Though all modes of worship 1. Japa (recitation) 2. Dhyana (meditation) 3. Homa

(ritual worship through yagna) 4. Archana (worship with lord's names) are

stressed, the Archana mode of worship is the most important for the Vaikhanasa

Agamas. Vikhanasa is the sage who revived these texts and taught them to 4 of

his disciples

1. Atri 2. Bhrigu 3. Kasyapa 4. Marichi

All these students contributed to the Vaishnava Agama thought, but unfortunately

only a portion of their works is saved. The rest is either lost or presumed to

be in safe places in either Tibet, China or Nepal. .

Maharshi Atri wrote 4 texts, 1. Purva Tantra 2. Atreya Tantra 3. Vishnu Tantra

4. Uttara Tantra.

Maharshi Bhrigu rote 13 texts containing 88, 000 Slokas. They are 1. Khila

Tantra 2. Pura Tantra 3. Vasanadhikara 4. Chithradhikara 5. Manadhikara 6.

Kriyadhikara 7. Archanadhikara 8. Yagnadhikara 9. Varnadhikara 10.

Prathigruhyadhikara 11. Nirukthadhikara 12. Prakirnadhikara and 13.

Khiladhikara.

Of these thirteen, 6 & 8 are available in print. 3 & 7 & 11 are available in

manuscripts, 2 & 4 & 5 & 9 are available in fragments, and the rest are not

available.

The texts written by Sage Kashyapa and Sage Marichi are not available.

Source: Indian Heritage Research Foundation, Ontario.

LET US NOT FAIL OR WAVER IN OUR DIVINE SERVICE OF OUR MOTHER LAND.

Jai Bharat

SCIENCE OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION AND AGAMAS - Part-II 

Critical study into huge structures that preserved and propelled human life,

evolution and earth environment 

A methodical study to understand the facts unraveled by renowned scientists form

multi discipline scientific branches for past 120 years all across the

continents 

Site Selection Criteria and Material specifications used in Temple construction

 

Introduction

" India likes gods. And Englishmen like posing as gods " . The English language was

part of the pose and power. Indians accepted it, too. - E. M. Forster in ‘A

Passage to India’. 

            In this section, we discuss the scientific basis of the

temple construction - site selection and basic construction material - as

expounded in agamas. Unfortunately, for the disappointment of many Indians,

these scientific principles are not written in English, a language of imposter

gods and 16th century pirates, like John Drake who with the help of British

monarchy plundered Portuguese, Spanish galleons to strengthen rising English

naval power, which  subsequently plundered India and China during 17th to 20th

centuries. These scientific principles of agamas were written in the original

language of gods - Sanskrit. First, we summarize the similarity of patterns

found in various temples across the continents - namely South America, Africa,

Central Asia and Middle East. Then, we go through the explanations provided by

various scientists for these patterns with the help of techniques developed over

a period of 130 years of intense

scientific development.  While doing so, I tried to mention the Sanskrit

equivalents in the brackets in italics. As I mentioned earlier, it is not the

objective of this article to write a treatise on Agamas which is impossible and

beyond the scope of this article. It is only to provide an explanation to few of

the concepts and terms used in Agamas. However, I do present the preliminary

discussion summary on why the temples need to be built as explained in agamas in

English, taking extreme care in translating the words to mean what they are

intended in Sanskrit. In the same way, after the scientific facts are presented,

I try to explain few more agama principles relevant to the discussion. 

            But I urge the readers to exercise caution that English

is not a sophisticated nor a well developed language (it became a language only

form the time of Shakespeare’s era) as Sanskrit (cultured and refined

thousands of years before) or Girvana (language of gods and no one knows for

sure when it evolved), thus may not fully express the meaning of the terms

written in Sanskrit. I request the readers to learn Sanskrit itself to study and

appreciate the originals. But, I assure that I try to exercise utmost caution in

the explanations so that they are close to the original meanings.  

Theory of Agamas

What is Agama? 

agnavasthu samanthaasya gamyatha ithyaagamoo mathaha

tanuthe trayathe nithyam tantra mithi viduhu budhaha

Sabda kalpa Druma

The ever expanding and contracting forms of manifestation/creation (movable and

non movable) and the relation between them is explained, so it is called Agama.

The knowledge of Agama tries to synchronize and protect the delicate balance of

creation, so it is also termed as Tantra by learned ones. 

Agama is called tantra.  But what is tantra?

tanothi vipulanaarthaan tantra mantra samavithaan

traanam cha kuruthe yasmaathanthramithyabhidhhiyathe 

Kamika Agama. Tantra Tara Patala. 

As detailed explanations and meanings are provided for protecting the existing

creation and its dynamics, it is called tantra. 

            As we have seen, Agama's primary purpose is to protect

existing creation and to provide scientific explanations for the acts done in

the process of such protection under the Agama Texts.   

Now the question is what is creation?  The theories of creation in the Vedas

explain three different aspects and are discussed in three different stages. As

for as our discussion is concerned we limit the explanation of first two stages

of creation.  

Different Stages of Theory of Creation

I.                      Stage 1: sat chit ananda  Truth

Existence Consciousness

                        Manifesting as Energy level (like

quarks and beyond) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Rough Translation

 

Example

 

 

Sudha

 

Pure conscious and energy States

 

sakthi (various energy radiations)

 

 

Asudha

 

Pure Material States

 

energy intermediate states (particles)

 

 

Misra

 

States of Dual Existence

 

devatas (matter & energy intermediate states)

 

II.                  Stage 2: avaranas or koshas /

prakriti-purusha / kshetra-kshetrajna  

                     Systems and Subsystems (like nebulae,

exploding stars, black holes, Milky Way and Solar Family) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Explanation

 

 

Sakthi Kosa

 

Energy subsystem like exploding stars, nebulae

 

 

Maya Kosha

 

Intermediaries of energy and matter (Quarks, Barons, Yaxions, atoms, electrons,

etc.)

 

 

Prasuthi Kosha

 

Material systems like solar families, galaxies

 

 

Prakrithi Kosha

 

Material subsystems like 9 planets within solar family-three dimensional

manifestations

 

 

Jiva Kosha

 

The conscious principle-spirit or soul or atman- that interacts with the above

systems and subsystems

 

III.                    Stage 3: Nama rupa Gross

Manifestation 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

 

Explanation

 

 

Varna

 

Resonating vibratory states of existence-evolution

 

 

Nivrithi

 

( Systems): process of dissolution

 

 

Pada

 

( Grades of Matter): transformation stages in the process of evolution and

dissolution

 

 

Tathva

 

(Types of matter): Dravya, Guna, Karma, Samanya,  Samavaya, Elemental matter

and its properties

 

 

Mantra

 

(Energy coefficients, Languages): 14 Matrikaas called Maheswara Sutraas, energy

_expression modes like languages, noise, sounds of various nature, frequencies,

audible, subtle, and the dynamics of sound light transformations (Sono

Luminescence) etc

 

 

Bhuvana

 

14 Differing planes of consciousness associated with the above 5 categories

 

Agama Branches

             The ancient sages understood that the entire cosmos is

nothing but overlaying and intermixing forces/energies mediated by massive

heavenly bodies appearing and disappearing at regular intervals creating a chain

of perpetual evolutionary life forms called samsara.  These evolutionary

systems influence each other far and near either in positive or negative

direction and affect various forms of manifested species differently.  For the

evolution to continue, it is primary to keep the species insulated from negative

influences and provide positive energy influences to the maximum extant.  That

is the purpose of Agamas.  This above mentioned concept of the creation and

protection of the delicate balance between various energy, vibrations, species

and gross matter is elaborated through various branches of Agamas. All these

branches start with the name of a deity.  Traditionally it is understood that

each deity represents a specific

energy state with certain parameters, and associated with certain aspects of

gross manifestation. So by mentioning the deity name as prefix, particular Agama

suggests that its scope of subject matter is limited to the energy state

symbolized by the deity and the manifested material states that are directly or

indirectly related to that energy state. The following 11 are the main branches

of Agamas.  Each branch contains thousands of texts associated with it. The

listing is not according to their importance but we should start at some point

to begin with. 

1. Saktha 2. Vaishnava 3. Shaiva 4. Ganapathya 5. Svyambhuva (Brahma) 6. Chandra

7. Saura 8. Pasupatha 9. Kalamukha 10. Cina 11. Jina. 

The first three and 7 are available now either in full or in part.  Rest are

either presumed lost or in ‘safe custody’ of USA, Nepal, Germany, France,

China or Tibet.   

Agama Padas (categories) 

Each branch of Agama will have many texts and commentaries associated with it. 

Within each branch or within a particular text under consideration the

information will be presented in the following broad categories. 

1. Gnana Padam (Scientific & Spiritual Explanations) 2. Yoga Padam (Unifying

methodology of the agama Process and Symbolism) 3. Kriya Padam (Procedural

Methodology) 4. Charya Padam. (Behavioral Methodology) 

1.       Gnana (Jnana) Padam (Knowledge and Information and

explanations) 

            What ever is discussed in the above three padas are

technically and scientifically explained in this part. All needed information

like why anything is done or not done is explained from three distinct

perspectives or modes of interpretations.

            1. Adhi bhoutika:  Purely scientific perspective (what

we are attempting in this series)

            2. Adhi Daivika:  Socio - Environmental Perspective

(nobody wants now)

      3. Adhi Atmika (Adhyatmika) :  Spiritual Perspective (nobody cares

any more now) 

2.       Yoga Padam (Unifying Methodology of the Process and symbolism) 

How the energy manifests in differing states, how to tap it, how to hold it, how

to avoid the unwanted energies and use them for the evolution of the mankind,

how to transfer the energy held in a place for the people living in that place,

by building temples, houses, ashramas.  

3. Kriya Padam (Procedural Detail) 

How to hold the energies in three dimensional structures, like temples,

ashramas, and houses. It also details as how to construct the above said

structures

4. Charya Padam (Behavior Methodology)  

How the deities are carved, worshiped in temples, houses which have the

compatible three dimensional shapes for the state of the energy in a particular

place. The details of special, particular, individual and place specific

worships to be performed in accordance with the given energy content of a

place.  This also specifies the process of linkage between the dual

interpretation methodologies followed by Agamas called Antaryagam and Bahiryagam

of Charya Padam.  

Dual interpretation technique of Agama Padas 

Each and every aspect mentioned in the above four broad categories have two

different interpretations associated with them.

1. Bahiryagam. External interpretation, which is basically why this thing is

done now and how this is to be done.

2. Antaryagam. Internal interpretation, which gives a spiritual connotation to

the process performed under a particular agama category and is aimed at serious

spiritual seeker.  This internal interpretation suggests to the spiritual

seeker that the entire external practices can in fact be taken as steps in one's

spiritual progress of self realization.   

            Agamas deal with the second and third stages of creation

and try to protect the delicate balance between these states so that human

evolution will progress. 

 

The Beginning  

            As discussed in the earlier section, the first interest

in the science of temple construction aroused when scientists started studying

the Irish round towers or northern England Stonehenge. The odd shape of these

boulders and the peculiar circular arrangement of these structures aroused some

interest as the same designs were found on Egyptian pyramids and Mayan temples.

Since 1830, with the development of Archeo Astronomy, systematic comparative

study of hundreds of structures discovered was thoroughly made. The following

patterns emerged by the comparative study :  

        All these temple layouts were, almost all, aligned with either

north south or east west axis.

        The temple towers (gopuras) rising at times as high as 275

feet in to the skies point exclusively towards zodiac signs as depicted in

astrological tables.

        All these temple towers were covered with gold plates (unlike

in India or far east where alien Islamic nomadic groups perpetuated destruction

of temples for gold and precious metals, in other continents it was the

Christian missionaries who destroyed these temples for gold, precious metals

during 1100-1900).

        The stones used in the construction all across the continents

were of a specific variety of granite which we still use in India.

        Foundations dug to at least 9 feet (purusha pramana) or more.

        Beneath main sanctum sanctorum invariably precious metals

worth millions of dollars were aligned in grid like fashion over copper (tamra),

gold (suvarna), and silver (rajata) plates embedded with ‘artistic designs’

(yantras). 

        As a matter of rule, these huge temples are constructed over

hill tops (giri tale), sea shores (sagara teere), in the middle of jungles (vana

madhye) and on the banks of great rivers (nadee thate). 

        Also, as a matter of rule, these huge temples have a food

offering place (Bali vedika-erroneously called by western archeologists as human

sacrificial altars) and fire ceremony place (yagna vedika- western archeologists

do not know what to call them. So they term them as Sun sacrificial altars). 

        All the temple towers besides granite were built with a

particular form of clay (mrunmayam or mrittika).  

            Let us see why they followed the same procedures all over

the world. The conclusion that all these temples, cultures across continents

shared the exact out look of socio environmental-economic life (adhi daivika)

with Indians or spiritual religious values with Indians (adhi atmika) is a fore

gone conclusion by academicians. To the much dislike of west, it is also an

indisputable conclusion that all the above cultures emerged from the cradle of

Indian civilization, and it is not the issue we are trying to understand here.

The only issue which we have to pursue is what the geographical borders of India

were when this convergence took place and when such emergence of cultures took

place.

The issue we want to discuss is more mundane, earthly and pure scientific

inquiry (adhi bhoutika) as to why these builders (shilpis) used a specific

granite, specific metals and specific clay for the construction of houses and

huge temples.  At times the granite stones were transported over more than 5000

miles to build the temples.  

            The clay which comes out of rivers, with specific traces

of zinc, silver, gold and nickel, which is used in making drinking water pots

and is used by Indians in summer. The clay with which we make idols of gods

decorative pieces every year. The clay which was used even in making cooking

pots for thousands of years which only in the last 30 years was being replaced

by cancer causing fridges, and aluminum vessels. The clay that was used to build

houses and temples which lasted 10 times more number of years than the current

cement structures whose life is a maximum of 150 years.

The clay-the art and science of it- is being replaced with tremendous rapidity

from constructing temples, public places and houses with cement. (In Orissa

during the tremendous cyclone hit few years before, the clay-built, most

advanced, aero dynamic, tall towering temples (some built even 1000 years before

or even their flag staffs) withstood the raging cyclonic wind force of 300

kilometers. While all bridges and other modern engineering structures collapsed.

 

But why Clay? 

Life in Universe and Evolution on Earth-A perspective 

            Till 1977 all biology, evolutionary biology text books in

west (in India even today)  taught that only in oceans algae-first forms of

life- developed 500 million years ago and the land was dry and devoid of life.

Darwin ‘scientifically calculated’ (?????) that from 500 million years old

algae (single celled organisms) the modern primate (with billions of multi cell

organisms) evolved in 499 million after years after, just 1 Million years ago.

Thus Darwin further concluded ‘scientifically’ that from primate man homo

sapiens evolved around 100,000 years ago, civilization evolved 7000 years ago

with Abraham (??????) and thus the rest of the western ‘scientists’ and

Indian ‘researchers’ concluded that Mahabharata war happened around 3500

years ago and Vedas were written 1500 years ago, WHICH IS A LIE.

Facts as they roll in  

Institute of Molecular and Cellular Evolution-University of Miami-1977 

Harvard University Elso E Barghoorn discovered in rock sedimentations of South

Africa (at a site in Swaziland called Fig Tree) green algae and fungi dating

back to 3.1 to 3.8 billion years ago.  In order to evolve, algae have to find a

way to bind oxygen to rocks other wise oxygen kills these algae. Thus scientists

concluded that maritime life has to be preceded by life on Earth. So,life

evolved on earth first not in sea as Darwin ‘scientifically’ concluded. 

University of Illinois experiments- Professor. Clifford Mathews (Multi Repeated

Experiments) 

In order to evolve life on earth, two basic molecules are necessary  

1. Proteins which perform metabolic functions of living cells

2. Nucleic acids which issue instructions for cells for processing and some how

both of these packed within a cell,  

To become protein, amino acids should under go complex cell division to form

long and complex chains and this dividing is done according to instructions

stored in  

DNA                 deoxyribonucleic acid as transmitted by

RNA                 ribonucleic acid  

The DNA has a double helix structure connected by rungs (discovered in 1953 by

James D Watson and Francis H. Crick) like complex organic compounds marked on

genetic charts by the first letters (initials) of the nucleotides compounds

A-G-C-T.  These can combine in limitless combinations and are bound to the

double helix structure by sugars alternating with phosphates.   RNA, as

complex as DNA built of four nucleotides whose initials are A-G-C-U may in

itself contain thousands of combinations. 

Now how much time earth would have taken to develop these compounds without

which the life would not have evolved. 

1977-Fossil remains of single cell organisms in South Africa were dated back to

3.1 to 3.4 billion years.   

1980-William J. Schopf, University of California at LA found in Western

Australia fossil remains of multi cell organisms looked under microscope like

chains and dated them 3.5 billion years old. These compounds possessed both

amino acids and complex nucleic acids-ingredients of Earth life 3.5 billion

years before. Thus these represent the advanced stage of life not early stage of

evolution of life on earth. But earth’s age is dated to be a maximum of 4

billion years old.  So scientists concluded that “self replicating bacteria

first started in the evolution of life (on earth or where ever) and preceded sea

algae.   

All life on earth from single cell to complex humans all have same genetic

material and have only 20 or so amino acids.  Even single cell bacteria E. coli

(Escherichia Coli) which reproduces not sexually but by dividing has 4000

different genes.  

1984-Ocean bed studies (first in Pacific and then in other ) that bacteria still

makes life forms possible that do not depend on photosynthesis but

by metabolizing Sulphur compounds in ocean depths.  Such bacteria are called

archaeo-bacteria. 

1984-Professor. Carl R. Woese dated these archaeo bacteria to 3.5-4.0 billion

years. 

1984-This 3.5 to 4.0 billion year age was corroborated by bacteria findings in

Austrian lake by Hans Fricke of Max Planck Institute, Karl Stetter of University

of Regensburg both of Germany. 

1985-Sediments found off Green Land proved that the photo synthesis was

prevalent on earth as early as 3.8 billion years ago. 

1989-Norman H. Sleep of University of Stanford (Nature Nov 9, 1989) concluded

that whatever life we see on earth and its base organisms evolved within a

window of 200 million years - before 3.8-4.0 billion years ago.   

            But the question of how life emerged was not answered by

them. They explained the process of life taking its shape on earth. Scientists

knew that for life to evolve from gaseous to amino acids tremendous compressed

energy was needed and a medium that can transform this energy was needed.  

            The question before the scientists was, was the energy

available on earth during its formation enough to trigger the amino acid

reactions? Because during the formation of earth, Ammonia and Methane are the

simplest stable compounds of Nitrogen & Hydrogen and of Carbon & Hydrogen. These

are present in almost all planets and stars in abundant quality and quantity.

But no life evolved on many stars.

            Could the initial earth atmosphere triggered-compounds

and the amino acids combine in to chains sustainable conducive for life? The

experiments proved that to have such complex mechanisms much more compressed

energy was needed than available at the beginning of earth.  (Many scientists

now believe today that life might have evolved in some inter galactic regions

and might probably transported to the earth due to reasons still under

investigation. Still they believe that the ‘thus transported life’ to the

earth, in order to survive, needs a medium where the adaptation can take place

and high compressed energy) 

            This tremendous energy required to trigger such reactions

came, according to scientists, from the self rotation of the earth which

produces centripetal energy and the thermonuclear reactions that take place

within the core of the earth as well as from the cosmic radiation caused by

cosmic dust resulting from the eternal explosion of stars, nebulae, galaxies,

etc.

            Earth rotates around itself at a speed of close to 1000

kilometers per hour. This translates to 1,000,000 meter per 60 minutes. Per

minute 16,666 meters which produces a revolution energy equivalent to 10 rose to

the power 13 kwh/year (this is reflected as wind, tidal energy of the nature

harnessed through massive hydro electric dams). Total energy released from

geo-thermal nuclear (energy released from the core of earth) reactions is close

to 10 raised to the power 14 kwh/year. Total energy reaches from the Sun is

close to 10 raised to 18 kwh/year. How this energy of earth revolution released

?  First it converts in to wind, tidal, cyclonic energy. The geo thermal energy

is radiated and released through mountain tops (volcanic and non volcanic) (giri

tale), sea shores (sagara tate), and where rivers flow (nadee tale.)   

            At the current rate of energy consumption and increase

(petrol, diesel, electricity, mechanical, thermal, nuclear) the energy

requirements for mankind are close to 10 raised to the power 12 kwh/year, less

than the rotational energy of earth.   

            The energy that we use for human consumption (usage) is

worth trillions of dollars. Over this energy distribution huge MNCs were built,

wars fought, humankind slaughtered. Human beings were able only to drill, get

oil, use it directly as fuel or cut trees and use the wood directly as fuel or

break atom and use that energy directly or dig coal up and use the energy

directly. During this process a massive pollution was created and to a point of

threatening the survival of mankind itself with so many diseases for which there

is no cure.  

            Science started recognizing impact of above modes of

pollution only recently which turned many communities/nations towards alternate

sources of energy - a quest to harness wind, tidal, geo-thermal, solar and

cosmic dust energies. Though progress is deliberately slow in this regard due to

pressure from the oil companies, still advances are made. But before

breakthroughs in the alternate energy sources the scientists realized that

radiation energy –starting from infra red to gamma rays(that are emitted

during every process of life-from single cell organisms to complex nebulae)

going to be major health risk that can wipe out mankind from the face of earth.

Every living and non living system can be explained as a powerful electro

magnetic field emitting various wave length and frequencies of rays affecting

and getting affected in the process.  

            For example, eyes convert all data in to electric signals

and brain understands only electric signals and responds via electrical signals

either directly or via interference patterns (electrical energy converted in to

a series of complementing circles and triangles. Sound through ears is converted

in to electrical signals and brain understands and responds via electrical

signals. Skin transmits all data via electrical signals and brain understands

and responds via electrical signals. Human body acts like a huge bio-electrical

dynamo of interlaying electrical signals. Where ever an electrical signal

passes, electromagnetic fields are created and thus these fields affect others.

In most cases these affect in harmful ways for mankind.  

            High tension electrical wires and associated

electro-magnetic fields are found to cause cancer in all living organisms that

live directly under them. Cell phones, even VDTs (video display

terminals-televisions, computer terminals, video games) used continuously affect

brain’s magnetic fields and cause brain damage. Medical X rays cause cancer,

worst in pregnant women abortions, birth defects and induce infertility.  In

the same way geo-thermal, cosmic dust, the interplanetary gravitational pull and

satellites also affect all living things.  There is no way we can escape these

radiations as we live and sustain among them. Now there is a body of science

called Radiation Oncology that studies various radiations and their impact on

human beings. 

How much minimum radiation can affect human beings?  

           A vast body of medical literature exists today in United

States, Europe, and Japan documenting the severe effects of computer television

video terminal radiation even in occasional users. Fatigue, eye strains,

migraines are common with medium range usage (more than two hours) of computers,

television, VDTs. Women are most affected who stay prolonged time before VDT

(video display terminals). Miscarriages, premature births, birth defects infant

deaths are becoming common parlance. Recent research now concentrating on

Computer based radiation concluding that human body is far sensitive to very

minute disturbances in radiation levels. VDTs generate a range of radiation-

X-rays, ultraviolet, infrared, low frequency (LF), very low frequency (VLF), and

extra low frequency (ELF). I cannot justify presenting the research on this

subject but interested people can go through the excellent research by Paul

Brodeur’s  three part series

presented in June 1989, New Yorker magazine or his book “Currents of

Deathâ€. Based on the growing research San Francisco recognized the harm

caused by computers and passed laws for minimum radiation levels for VDTs and

computer display terminals during 1990. 

            So pollution is two types. First, natural energy

pollution-elemental byproduct- (if that is a good term) (devata

atripti-dissatisfaction of devatas-or energy imbalances (devata is a manifested

energy state) which exists within the nature because of the elemental

manifestation (maha bhutas) and associated electro magnetic fields of radiation

and vibrations. In their manifested states these elements look and behave as if

they were opposites and mutually destructive. So these mutually exclusive and

collectively destructive radiations need to be balanced (santhi) and detoxified

(sudhi) in order to allow evolution to progress, humankind to survive. 

            Second, man made pollution-evolutionary by product

created by performing nishidha karma – actions done with half knowledge or

actions that should never be done- is created by human beings in the process of

surviving and evolution by creating wastes with out properly understanding the

theory of balance in nature. Food, food waste drinks (if properly not disposed

create deadly bacteria that turn in to poison (visha) can kill everything- mad

cow disease, SARS, contaminated meat, irradiated meat, rotten vegetables,

synthetic alcohol, narcotics). Also the very needs of humans, fire (by burning

coal, wood creates air pollution) large gatherings (more humans put in one place

more the carbon-dioxide will be released and oxygen levels will fall causing

uneasiness and later diseases) transport needs (animal transport releases

ammonia and aids to air pollution when animals fart (problem with large cattle

ranches as they contribute to green

house gases), mechanical transport causes severe air pollution (by burning

fossil fuels like petrol, diesel etc). This will turn poisonous (patina-poison

out of fossils) for human health and welfare which need to be balanced (santhi)

and detoxified (sudhi) in order to allow evolution to progress, humankind to

survive. 

            The major problem with the man made pollutants was and is

that they seep in to the food chains and water tables by poisoning them, seep

and erode the soil fertility and thus destroys the food production with out

which living things cannot survive, destroys the medicinal power of rivers thus

turning them in to poisonous dumps. For this problem the only solution is going

back to traditional agricultural methods used for thousands of years in India,

Africa and South America.   

            Is there a solution from the effects of radiation? Till

now, no? With the advances and sophistication reached during last hundred years

coupled with most advanced scientific desciplines mentioned below, scientists

are trying to answer some of the above problems-the fundamental grasp of the

extent of the dynamics involved scientific desciplines needed- which they are

now able to begin to understand.  

The radiation & toxic balance (santhi) or detoxification (sudhi) can be achieved

according to scientist by  

1.   destroying the unwanted numerous radiation or toxins (maarana)-dealt in

Radiation Oncology, Astronomy, Radio Astronomy, Physics, Radiation Physics,

Particle Physics, genetics, biotechnology  and hundreds of associated fields of

study

2.   blocking various radiations from reaching earth or various pollutants &

poisons from reaching human systems or food chains (sthambana) dealt in Biology,

Marine Biology, Chemistry, and host of environmental sciences, hydrology,

Chelation Chemistry.

3.   disintegrate various radiations and toxins in to harm-less substances

(bhedana)-dealt in particle physics, Acoustic Physics, Cosmic Dust Physics, etc

4.    integrate all dangerous radiations and toxins with new radiations or

elements to render them harm less (uchatana) Metallurgical sciences, Organic &

Inorganic Physical Chemistries

5.   transforming various harmful radiations or toxins (changing chemical

physical properties of substances) in to nourishment for the human beings

(pushti) –dealt in all the above.

 

Agamas - Utility of temples Objectives of Building temples-Six Goals of Agamas 

            All the 11 branches of Agamas mentioned above strive to

achieve 6 fundamental goals.  They are as follows: 

 

 

 

 

 

AGAMA GOAL

 

Explanation

 

 

Uchatana

 

Integrate all dangerous radiations and toxins with new radiations or elements

to  render them harm less

 

 

Sthambana

 

Blocking various radiations from reaching earth or various pollutants & poisons

from reaching human systems or food chains

 

 

Maarana

 

Destroying the unwanted numerous radiation or toxins

 

 

Bhedana

 

Disintegrate various radiations and toxins in to harm less substances

 

 

Pushti

 

Transforming  various harmful radiations or toxins (changing chemical physical

properties of substances) in to nourishment for the human beings

 

 

Santhi

 

The radiation & toxic balance

 

Grouping of Agama Goals 

All the 11 branches of Agamas will be dedicated to do one or other goals

mentioned above.  The above 6 goals are divided in to 3 main groups.  And they

are called by the names of devatas (manifested energy states) deity names. 

These names are used to indicate the extant and scope of each group of goals. 

The following table summarizes the grouping and gives reason for picking up a

particular deity name for the branch. 

 

 

 

 

 

AGAMA GOAL GROUP

 

GOALS PURSUED

 

 

Sakthi Agamas

 

UCHATANA, STHAMBHANA

 

 

Shaiva agamas

 

MARANA, BHEDHANA

 

 

Vaishnava agamas

 

SANTHI, PUSHTHI

 

             Temples built on agamic principles aim at

simultaneously tackling both pollutions- the radiation pollution and man made

pollution-at same time to maintain the delicate balance of energy, vibration,

species and manifested states. To tackle the radiation pollution, they

prescribed:

ï¶Â Â Â Â  to build temples with clay and brick raising towers (gopurams) to

more than 100 feet height,

ï¶Â Â Â Â  to engrave the tops of the towers or if possible the entire towers

with copper and gold,

ï¶Â Â Â Â  to dig 9 feet beneath the main sanctum sanctorum (purusha pramana)

ï¶Â Â Â Â  to align millions of dollars worth of diamonds and other precious

metals (crystals) in grid form, carve stones with a special kind of granite. In

order to tackle man made pollution,

ï¶Â Â Â Â  to nourish the fertility of the soil within a radius of 5-10

kilometers radius, they prescribed to perform yagnas, hundreds of daily,

seasonal and special rituals, associated regularly within these temples.  

Temple as huge multitude Radiation Centers 

            As we have seen in the above section, from the beginning

the temples all over the world were on the tops of mountains (Sri Sailam,

Tirupati, Mangalagiri), near seashores (Rameswaram, Gokarnam), on River banks

(Kashi, Nasik, Pandaripur) and amidst forests (Ahobilam). All temples with out

exception were built where supreme concentration of cosmic dust falling and/or

where the geo-thermal energy emissions are highest. These can be plotted as

infra red emission centers via satellite mapping which most of the western

governments did (with an exception of India where these temples along with agama

texts exist.  How much energy is emitted from these temples need to be studied

by professional scientists. Now the question, is how this massive energy

accumulating or emitting can be harnessed for the benefit of human kind. The

first answer for this question is provided by crystals-diamonds and other

precious stones aligned in a grid fashion

placed under the Sanctum Sanctorum at 9 feet depth.  

            Modern science long time back (during 1980s) proved that

if precious stones are arranged in a grid like fashion then they pool, amplify

and resonate energies in given area. So if a particular kind of geo-thermal

radiation is emitted at a particular temple area say Tirupati, then the

crystal-precious metal- arrangement beneath the deity will absorb the radiation

amplify it and then resonate it through the deity.  The alignment varies with

the area and energy radiation under consideration. Usually they are aligned

along with the ‘graphic image of energy in Cartesian two dimensional plane’

(yantra) that is buried under the deity. Every graphic image of energy (yantra)

is different for different areas where temples are built and this creates the

differences in the three dimensional representations (devata murti) which are

deities that we see in temples. By visiting a particular temple dedicated to a

particular god we are entering

an arena of altered energy state where various vibrations and radiations will

wash us. Can we see them? No as they are radiation. When we take x-ray picture

or talk over cell phone electro magnetic radiation is generated which we cannot

see.  

            The deity in any temple (which is again a big science it

self from selection of stones to final sanctifying) was cut geometrically in

such shape that it radiates the energy resonated by the precious metals buried

beneath. To achieve this efficiency only certain type of black granite stones

that are conducive to this form of radiation are selected, geometrically cut in

to idols, energy insulated and kept in temples.  The discussion on the

selection of stones for carving idols is beyond the scope of this article. Like

x-rays which need to be connected to a power outlet so too temples are grounded

in huge geo-thermal emission areas or cosmic dust bombarded areas.  Even

millions of wanted / unwanted believers / non believers visit them still their

energy radiation capacity does not decrease. One way agamas follow to retain the

energy efficiency of the temple area is the continuous recitation of various

mantras which also create a

sound resonation which will be picked up not only by clay crystals but by gem

stones.  

Let us examine the similarities in intercontinental temples one by one.

But why clay?  

1. Clay

Scientists found that one such important medium of transformation of life on

earth was and is clay. Clay provides the basis of life, because of its peculiar

properties. 

1.   Professor. Armin Weiss –University of Munich-1990

Clay has two abilities 1. Capacity to store energy 2. ability to transfer

energy 

Clay can reproduce it self. The energy clay can absorb interestingly comes from

1. Earth's electro magnetism, 2. back ground radioactive decay 3. cosmic rays

bombardment of earth 

Graham Cains-University of Glasgow reported that clay act as a catalyst in

transforming inorganic matter in to organic matter.  

2.   Ames Research Center-Mountain View CA-Professor James A. Lawless

1970-1985

Amino Acids (building blocks of proteins) and nucleotides (building blocks of

genes) began forming chains if they are deposited on CLAY having traces of Zinc

or Nickel and allowed to dry. But these traces of Nickel held on only to the

known twenty types of Amino Acids common to all living things on earth.  

Lelia Coyne-Head of Research Team, Even common clay will trap and transmit all

the above three energies.  This is achieved through the structural

irregularities in the clay crystals like the crystals of gem stones.  In these

irregular structures the energy is stored.  

Noam Lahab-Hebrew University, Israel-In order to store energy and affect amino

acids present in all life forms of earth the clay has to under go alternate

cycles of wetting and drying. This means the dry lands with regular rain cycles,

sea shores where there is moisture (sagara tate) or flowing rivers or brooks

(nadi teere) with moisture clouds, or mountain tops where air at nights comes

with moisture (giri tale), or center of forests where the moisture is generated

due to trees and their perspiration (vana madhye).   

2. Height of the towers (gopuras) a Note

            The energy bombarded from cosmic radiation or cosmic dust

is more than the energy reaching from the Sun.  But during the day this is

dispersed due to the Sun’s own electrical and magnetic repulsions. They reach

peak during nights and are more powerful than the radiation of Sun. The

incidence of Cosmic dust is very high over mountain tops (giri tale), open

expanse of oceans (sagara tate), and where rivers are flowing (nadi tale).

 This is the reason why most of the cosmic dust observatories, radio

telescopes, astronomical telescopes, planetariums are all located over the hill

tops as over the hill tops the uninterrupted cosmic dust bombardment can be

observed. This cosmic dust will be dispersed in low lying areas due to electric

bulbs which themselves create electro magnetic fields that disperse the cosmic

dust. Between the two tropics, tropic of cancer and Capricorn the duration of

day and night is almost equal thus when we

observe in the nights the sky also looks more or less same. This means for a

scientist observing the cosmic dust it appears that they are coming form the

same region of the sky. If we, for division of convenience, super impose the 360

degree rotating zodiac over the night sky, then it appears that cosmic dust is

falling form the same zodiac sign.   

            More recently, radio astronomers studying the temple

structures pointed out the similarities between the structures of the temple

towers (naga vesara and dravida styles) and the sophisticated horn shaped

antennas used in radio astronomy that are used to amplify and magnify the weak

radiations bombarding the earth from certain directions of cosmos which are in

the band width of 14.5 meters or more wave length.  But how does this clay

built towers can amplify weak radiations coming from certain zodiac regions of

cosmos? The answer was again provided by soil scientists who confirmed that CLAY

acts as both para magnetic and dia magnetic in alternating cycles which give

clay the ability to absorb, amplify and disperse the radiations in to the temple

premises and in to the outer perimeter of five kilometer radius towards the

soil, houses, people and crops surrounding it. In many temple towns they

observed (in South America, Ireland,

Scandinavia and Africa for sure and in India either they did not reveal or do

not want to reveal their observations) the agricultural scientists observed that

the highly para and dia magnetic plants and crops from all directions incline

towards the temple towers as if ready to get drenched in the nourishments of

cosmic radiation beamed in by the towers. The convex shaped tower tops (kalasas)

plated with electro magnetic conducting gold (suvarna), copper (tamra) and

silver (rajata) act as catalysts to this process. Precisely for this reason the

temples over the tops of mountains are elevated to massive heights and

deliberately pointed towards a particular zodiac sign to amplify the radiations

coming from that area of cosmos.  Also for this reason there is a rule in

agamas that state that one should not construct the dwellings within the

perimeter of the shadow of any Shiva Temple due to the high grade amplification

and radiation associated with the

temple premises.  

            To observe and study these cosmic energy phenomenon

scientists develop telescopes fitted with series of convex lenses and developed

dome structures to station the telescopes. They also developed power full horn

resembling antenna structures like temple towers to collect maximum cosmic dust

and amplify the same for analytical purposes.  

            Second reason for elevation of temple towers is Man made

Pollutants (from petrol, diesel chemical wastes, factories, burning wood coal

etc.) They come out of combustion and will rise high in to atmosphere (hot air

goes up and displaces cold air) usually for more than 50 feet and depending on

the wind speed and direction will travel in usually east west or north south

direction. Where ever wind speed decreases these pollutants will settle down to

the ground and affect all life systems there which are called acid rains. One

solution provided by modern scientific methods to one such combustion problem

with factories is to design factory chimneys   to a height of more than ‘100

feet’.  But, these pollutants do not affect the area where the factory is

located but will affect the neighboring villages as these pollutants are

discharged in higher atmosphere where they travel with the wind to far off areas

and affect the life there.

 

            As far as petrol / diesel is concerned they emit deadly

CO (carbon monoxide). There is no way to prevent this deadly gas that created

hundreds of pneumatic illness like asthma, isnofelia, associated lung diseases

and ultimately cancer. It also comes with black color that burns eyes, deposits

over clothes, trees buildings and discolors them.  One solution for discoloring

that was found was to use ‘gold and silver’ within the car’s exhaust

system in a part called catalytic converter. This part costs around $ 300

dollars (Rs. 15,000) and is good for 3 years. The only thing it does is, it

absorbs the blackness of CO thus the pollutants come as white smoke that does

not affect your clothes, trees or buildings and gives erroneously delusory

effect that there is no pollution. This is what many Indians when they come to

any western country see. They think that there is no pollution in the west. As

in India the induction of catalytic

converters started just recently.  Within no time. in India too, we can have

the same erroneously delusory effect of less pollution. The gold content that

they put in catalytic converter can only absorb the blackness causing agents

from CO and transform them in to gold or silver halides of whiteness, all the

while keeping the pollution intact with its deadly effects.  

            Temples built with clay with convex surfaces will trap

the pollutants that travel over 100 feet height in atmospheres and diffuses them

and neutralizes them as they are washed with high energies collected within

temple premises, or by regular performance of yagnas within the temple premises.

During yagnas we burn medicinal herbs which decompose and rise (hot air rises)

more than 50 feet to meet the pollutants and dissolve them in to non toxic

elements (sudhi.)  

3. Purusha Pramana-9 feet deep- a Note

            The geo- thermal fusion energy is very strongly

felt/experienced below 6-9 feet beneath the earth surface crust (purusha pramana

in agamas mean 9 feet). The outer layer of the earth will disperse and dissipate

geo-thermal energy in to outer atmosphere due to the interacting with the

gravitational energy, sun’s energy bombarding the earth, or cosmic

dust.           

4. Yagnas – A Note

            Yagnas or fire ceremonies are a must within the temples.

Though thousands of ingredients are used in conducting yagnas the primary

ingredient is the go panchakam (five ingredients that come from cow milk, curd,

ghee, urine and dung). The below mentioned point is about one such ingredient of

go panchakam –cow dung.

            After Chernobyl accidental radiation leak, Russians want

to inoculate all citizens within a radius of 200 kilometers. Then they found

that nomadic steppe Indians living very close to the incident area were not

affected by Radiation of Chernobyl, where as people, plants, fish and milk  as

far as England were affected by the radiation.  The scientists have learned

that groups of sub-continent Indians living in the border lands of Soviet Union,

who used dried Cow Dung to seal their huts, were unaffected by Chernobyl

Radiation Leak and following Radio Active Contamination.

            The Russian academy of sciences Director called German,

Yugoslav scientists to investigate the matter.  Joint experiments were

conducted and Joint Research project was under taken by German, Yugoslav and

Russian physicists, chemists, radiation experts and other scientists headed by

Biochemist Prof. Mato Modric. In Communist Yugoslavia, this group of scientists

in the city of Rovinj, conducted experiments on what happens when the ceremony

of  Yagna or fire ceremony was performed.  Under laboratory conditions when

scientists burned required ingredients in copper pyramid-a miniature size of

Yagna Vedi- their instruments failed to pick up radioactivity in the immediate

area an anomaly since Chernobyl incident[1].  

            According to the participated Physicists, “We believe

we can establish the fact of an electromagnetic radiation during the (Yagna)

ceremony.  But we are in an area what conventional science considers rational,

in to an area of informational transfer through inter molecular and inter atomic

process mediated by ultraviolet photons.  It is logical to conclude that some

kind of energetic mechanism is activated which can be translated in to physical

meaning linked to concrete information systems, connected to resonance[2]â€.

 5. CO pollution and simple recitation mantra or any name of any deity 

            The resonance energy according to scientists is coming

from the mantras recited during the yagna ceremony.  The scientists accepted

that lot of hard research is needed in this field which they are beginning to

understand more. One such Research on mantras come from Dr. Phillip Callahan, a

Physicist and Entomologist, World War II pilot and Professor at University of

Gainesville, Florida, USA.  At his Geo-Disc lab in Wichita, Kansas, USA, with

the help of latest infra red spectrometer, Dr. Callahan validating the wisdom of

Vedas, the overlap of Physics and Philosophy, conducted experiments intoning the

basic Vedic mantra ‘OM’, several times into tonoscope connected to infrared

spectroscope. 

            Then he took a print out of and showed the effect of the

mantra in the form of group of spikes on the print out.  When we recite any

mantra or OM in the present context, the sound effect of mantra, energize the

molecules of throat.  These energized molecules emit infra red radiation.  The

scientific instrument, Infrared Spectrometer picks up the frequency at which

emitted molecules are radiating and identifies the signal frequencies of the

molecules. If you know the frequency of an atom or a compound you can identify

its presence and amplitude. In case of recitation of OM, the molecule radiating

out of body is Carbon Monoxide, a poisonous toxin emitted by burning fossil

fuels like diesel, petrol and can kill human beings, plants and animals alike. 

This gas is also known to cause cancer.  So just by reciting OM several times,

we can detoxify ourselves form one of the cancerous primary toxin[3]. This

experiment is done about OM

only since past 10 years- and Indians have to believe this as it is told by

Englishman’s cousin American and it must be true. We do not know about other

powerful mantras and their effect. In India, we don’t care. West is doing all

research to patent the effects of mantras in near future.  

6. Soil Nourished with this radiation

            While doing the research on ancient agricultural

practices Dr. Phillip Callahan found that the ancients some how figured out an

eternal source of energizing soil. His research revealed that the energy

recovered from cosmos and from earth by the huge temple towers & temples was,

among other things, redistributed to the soil surrounding in 5 kilometer radius.

The energy dia magnetic in nature is transferred to the soil thus to the roots

and then to the plants. All plants fully grown will incline towards the main

temple towers from all directions. In ancient days in India all villages are

temple towns. Temple is the center of the town and surrounding which the village

used to grow. This layout is still visible in many villages even today.

7. A note on why temples do not protect them

            There is lot of discussion on the issue why powerful gods

of powerful temples could not protect themselves when they were destroyed by

aliens and this was a question even posed by many to the author. If temples are

very powerful then why did not they protect themselves?  We have mentioned

above that temples are built as centers of collection of various energies and

the deity carved is based on the geometric principles of dissipation and

radiation of energy. In this sense, the deity is nothing but the three

dimensional representation of the radiation energy which was collected at the

temple point. The two dimensional energy is represented in the geometric grid

that was carved over the yantra.  It is the fundamental law of agamas triple

absolutism or  abedha rule which states that there is no difference between the

mantra (energy quantum) yantra (two dimensional representation) and devata

(three dimensional form) all are same but

at different planes. 

            In this sense, temples, apart from spiritual center of

individual transformation and symbolic representation of the evolution itself,

is in physical mundane sense a huge radiation center of energy, like any Super

Specialty Hospital with a huge radiation wing.  The deity (devata) within

temple in spiritual sense (adhi atmika artha) represent the supreme

consciousness manifested within universe (viswantargata Brahman within

brahmanda) bound by concept  of time (kaala) as represented by mutual

conversion of energy and matter as represented in e=mc2 (purusha and prakriti)

and manifested in well defined states or form like solids, liquids, gaseous and

plasma (rupa.) But this is representation only not the physical transfer of

Brahman to the geographical location of the temple.  

            In this sense temple is not a military garrison. As any

hospital can be destroyed and the radiation machinery worth billions of dollars

vandalized by uneducated, unintelligent anti-science and retrograde fanatic

cultures, so too the nomadic Islamic tribes invading India cared only about the

gold and silver and destroyed the temples. In the same way the greedy Christians

in Americas cared only for gold and silver beneath the temples. Once this source

of energy radiation, which is a negative energy balance in nature, which is the

temple, was removed from social life of Indians hundreds of thousands of Indians

were to die of diseases transmitted by the Europeans with out even fighting.

These temples that were looted all across the world in a real sense were

universal treasures. They represent the highest intelligence of the human

progress, as intelligence is delicate and pious and to be protected so too

intelligent inventions need to

be protected by powerful administrations and even by people. In this sense it

is the failure of the Indian kings that made the temples fall rather than the

“no power of deitiesâ€.  

            In one of several dialogues, my mentor gave me an

analogy.  He stated that if a renowned painter paints the picture of a full

moon on a map and if some child goes and tears it down to pieces, in this

context as the painted image of moon could not defend it self, it does not

negate the existence of either moon, or Sun who is responsible for moon to

shine, or the capability of the renowned painter to paint. Temples too are same.

That is why it is stated in sastras that building and protecting temples is part

of environmental debt (deva runa) that every one who took birth has to repay.

Conclusion

How much power a particular temple radiate? Experiments need be done. There is a

rough indicator. One rough indicator is the popularity of the temple in

attracting devotees. Medical Astrology which deals with the radiation and

vibration energy imbalances within a particular individual and suggests a

corresponding exact math of energy needed to correct imbalances prescribes

living in certain temple vicinities to get cure for certain health problems. 

For example Sri Kalahasti temple dedicated to the Vayu Linga of Shiva, said to

be the place where the people suffering with leprosy should go and reside for

certain duration. In the same way people suffering with one particular form of

infertility called naga dosha should visit Rameswaram temple for specified

duration. 

Tip of ice berg.

What was depicted in the above pages is the tip of the ice berg. To answer and

understand a simple question as to why temples are built with clay we needed

hundreds of branches of scientific disciplines and evolution of science over a

200 year period. To provide explanations for agama texts presenting the summary

in Sanskrit of all those hundreds of scientific disciplines probably require

many years. Sanskrit is the language of sages who wrote these texts. For

generations, temple builders (shilpis), temple worshippers (archakas) temple

goers (bhaktas) never questioned the procedures. We lost much of this

information during alien invasions that plundered temples just for the gem

stones in the ground and gold engravings over the temple towers. In the modern

times since 50 years, remaining agama texts are not systematically studied and

worst not followed. The greatest crime is that we are shifting the temple

construction method from clay to cement. This

will destroy those who know the art of temple construction with clay. Once they

are dead we can no longer get back the knowledge lost. In the same way, even

today in many villages the houses are also built with clay (at times even two

three story buildings also) which keeps warmth in winter and coolness in summer

(acts as natural air conditioner). By going to cement (which can with stand only

for 150 years) in the name of modernization and making MNCs rich, we are doing

great dfis-service and injustice to the great knowledge of construction

practices (the clay houses last for more than thousands of years as we have seen

in the case of temples) that saved us-preceding generations and will save future

generations from radiation, disease and illness and destruction.

            Whether unwillingly or by design or collusion, the

process of building the dams over the river is altering two things. First, the

electrical flow of the course of the river and thus the associated electro

magnetic fields associated with the soil in all temples which are there on the

banks of the rivers from the point of dam are all altered. The temples will

become slowly powerless as the main source of energy radiation is cut off.

Second, creating the huge dams will create the tension and stress by large

bodies of water in dam area and this constant pressure will in next 5 to 10

years relieve it self at another place in the form of earthquakes. Many

interesting studies are done in this regard all over the world. In the most

advanced European countries they follow a system of French canals for

irrigation. For electricity they use nuclear than hydro electric energy. They

never destroyed their river flows. Indians raced to build the

dams and reduced the source of energy radiation to main temples like SriSailam

(SriSailam Dam) Tirupati (Kalyani dam) etc altering the main features of

existence like soil fertility itself.  

            Also see, recently under extreme linguist

regionalism-knowingly or unknowingly- the then chief minister Mr. Karunanidhi

wanted / ordered to recite mantras only in tamil rather than in original Girvana

in all main temples in Tamil Nadu. This process is aimed either knowingly or

unknowingly to weaken the power of the temple areas and deities as the

continuous recitation of mantra creates a resonance effect that charges the gem

stones, clears the atmosphere from toxins that were pumped by unscrupulous

industrial wastes. The resonance energy is picked up by clay built temples to

nourish the soil. Since 1964 in all western governments from Switzerland to

Germany even NASA spent billions of dollars to study the effects of mantras

(ultrasonic, subsonic and sonic frequencies) on atmosphere, weather, earth

crusts, growth of plants babies, stratosphere, ionosphere and individuals.  

            India was protected from so much of disease and

destruction due to the existence of these temples, and the nourishing food grown

with the aid of radiated energies provided by these temples built thousands of

years before even today prevent the deadly diseases like AIDS, SARS from

affecting us. Unless these temples are destroyed completely, we will not be

susceptible to the disease making the MNCs rich.

            So, as usual, the process of temple destruction is

started starting first from snatching temple lands. Then, most of the temple

revenues diverted to run the general administrations of state governments and

close to 65% of the general revenue come from temple income. Harassing priests,

reducing services in temples, ridiculing temple goers, diverting funds for

personal use are becoming routine. Dumping temple management boards with totally

callous, unscrupulous, corrupt public servants belonging to various political

parties who neither knew about temple management nor about the science behind

them with a sole aim of destroying the sanctity of temples. And many more.  

Arise, awake and stop till the goal of following dharma subservient to truth is

not achieved.

LET US NOT FAIL OR WAVER IN OUR DIVINE SERVICE OF OUR MOTHER LAND.

Jai Bharat

 

 

Source : Indian Heritage Research Foundation, Ontario.

 

 

To increase chaitanya of Temple

 

The Panchamahayajnams (rituals) are called a) Brahma yajnam b) Deva

yajnam c) Bhootha yajnam d) Pithruyajnam e) Manushya yajnam

• Brahmayajnam means Vedapadham. In all big temples a

person/persons used to be employed to recite Vedas in the very early

morning. In Yajnasala veda recital is at Sadass. In temple it is at

Mandapam.

• Devayajnam is the pooja inside the Sanctum Sanctorum. The

recitals resemble that of Yajna.(See item 8)

• Pitruyajnam is the kriya done inside Thidappilly during

Thuval.(Thidappally is the place where cooking is done for Nivedyam,

to be offered to God)

• Thuval is Bhoothayajnam.(worship of all the upadevas located

around the sanctum sanctorum)

• Ootu or feeding is Manushya yajnam.(feeding the poor and

pilgrims)

Five important items which increase the Chaitanya (spiritual power)

of a temple;-

1. The " thapa sakti of Thanthris and poojaris " –

The celibate

and pure life of these people are of utmost importance for the

temple. Recently some of them have become so egoistic, that they try

to even go against age-old practices, misinterpreting the tantric

laws. At Angadipuram temple one Thanthri forgot that he was a Brahmin

and in order to spite the Trustee of the temple, snatched away the

bow and arrow from the Trustee's nephew and shot the Jackfruit

(representing the wild boar) during the Arat during the Pooram.

2. Murajapam: There should be at least one Brahmin appointed to

recite Vedas daily in the early mornings at the temples. He has to

sit in the early morning before sunrise on the Mandapam and recite

the Vedas. All the three Vedas are to be completed at least once in

the month.. A few temples like Guruvayur continue this practice even

now. Most of the Devaswam board temples do not have this arrangement.

3. Daily poojas and other rituals.(as given above under

panchamahayajnam)

4. Utsavam: Utsavas are of three types. The most elaborate is

Ankurathi. There is Prasasada sudhi in an evening, Bimbasudhi next

morning, then Ankuraropanam (sowing the seed) before the actual

utsava starts. Sowing is done after the seeds are soaked in milk and

kept in earthen pots and watered daily after mixing the water with

haldi powder. There should be a room at the northeastern corner of

the temple called sprout room. Its door should face the west. .Poojas

is to be performed before the seeds are kept for sprouting. (Recent

experiments have proved that sprouting is faster if soaked in milk,

and haldi powder is an insecticide.)

5) Annadanam: (Feeding the poor devotees and the pilgrims who come to

pray at the temple) This is to be done daily for all poor people

around, and pilgrims who visit the temple. Nobody can concentrate on

God with an empty stomach except great saints. Feeding the poor

pleases god.

The temples were the centre of all activities in Bharat including the

Government.(One reason why the invaders wanted to destroy the temples

first). The Rituals in the temple were for the health of the mind and

body. Bharathiya sanskruti did not permit us to have an organised

(political) religion and we never tried to expand within or beyond

our borders. Later when we came under attack from foreign organised

religions, many of our brothers lost the freedom to preserve our

mental and physical health, Freedom to think what is right and what

is wrong and also to carry out healthy rituals. This has resulted in

new organisations springing up throughout India to protect the

freedom of thinking in Bharat.

The name Hindu is given to us by foreigners . The name Bharat means

Agni or fire. We did worship Agni (Agnijwala ) because we knew that

it reflects the power of the " Sun " , the giver of all energy.

Kalasam:- This is carried out whenever renovation is to be done to

the pedestal of the Bimbam (Deity) or any part of the sanctum

sanctorum at the temple. The chaitanya of the Deity is transferred to

earthenware vessels by elaborate rituals and only then are repairs

etc done to the Deity (Bimbam) and the sanctum sanctorum. Afterwards

the Chaitanya is again retransferred to the deity before regular

poojas are conducted.

 

PLEASE ALSO READ AMAZING SCIENCE PART I & II FROM BHARATH HERITAGE GROUP IN

.COM

 

PLEASE ALSO READ AMAZING SCIENCE PART I & II FROM BHARATH-HERITAGE GROUP FROM

.COM

 

 

 

 

Message from Bharat-Heritage on 27.6.2004

Amazing  Science (Part  3)

 

The following topics are researched and the text written by

Sadhu Brahmaviharidas

AARSH - Akshardham Centre for Applied Research in Social Harmony

 

University (The world’s first university)

Takshashila  (Taxila)

Around 2700 years ago, as early as 700 BCE there existed a giant University at

Takshashila, located in the northwest region of India.

Not only Indians but also students from as far as Babylonia, Greece, Syria,

Arabia and China came to study.

68 different streams of knowledge were on the syllabus.

Experienced masters taught a wide range of subjects.

Vedas, Language, Grammar, Philosophy, Medicine, Surgery, Archery, Politics,

Warfare, Astronomy, Accounts, commerce, Futurology, Documentation, Occult,

Music, Dance, The art of discovering hidden treasures, etc.

The minimum entrance age was 16 and there were 10,500 students.

The panel of Masters included renowned names like Kautilya, Panini, Jivak and

Vishnu Sharma.

                __________________________

Taxila University

 Takshashila, (later corrupted as Taxila), one of the topmost centers of

education at that time in India became Chanakya’s breeding ground of acquiring

knowledge in the practical and theoretical aspect. The teachers were highly

knowledgeable who used to teach sons of kings. It is said that a certain teacher

had 101 students and all of them were princes! The university at Taxila was well

versed in teaching the subjects using the best of practical knowledge acquired

by the teachers. The age of entering the university was sixteen. The branches of

studies most sought after in around India ranged from law, medicine, warfare and

other indigenous forms of learning. The four Vedas, archery, hunting,

elephant-lore and 18 arts were taught at the University of Taxila. So prominent

was the place where Chanakya received his education that it goes to show the

making of the genius. The very requirements of admission filtered out the

outlawed and people with lesser

credentials.

At a time when the Dark Ages were looming large, the existence of a university

of Taxila’s grandeur really makes India stand apart way ahead of the European

countries who struggled with ignorance and total information blackout. For the

Indian subcontinent Taxila stood as a light house of higher knowledge and pride

of India. In the present day world, Taxila is situated in Pakistan at a place

called Rawalpindi. The university accommodated more than 10,000 students at a

time. The university offered courses spanning a period of more than eight years.

The students were admitted after graduating from their own countries. Aspiring

students opted for elective subjects going for in depth studies in specialized

branches of learning. After graduating from the university, the students are

recognized as the best scholars in the subcontinent. It became a cultural

heritage as time passed. Taxila was the junction where people of different

origins mingled with each

other and exchanged knowledge of their countries.

The university was famous as " Taxila " university, named after the city where it

was situated. The king and rich people of the region used to donate lavishly for

the development of the university. In the religious scriptures also, Taxila is

mentioned as the place where the king of snakes, Vasuki selected Taxila for the

dissemination of knowledge on earth.

Here it would be essential to mention briefly the range of subjects taught in

the university of Taxila. (1) Science, (2) Philosophy, (3) Ayurveda, (4) Grammar

of various languages, (5) Mathematics, (6) Economics, (7) Astrology, (8)

Geography, (9) Astronomy, (10) Surgical science, (11) Agricultural sciences,

(12) Archery and Ancient and Modern Sciences.

The university also used to conduct researches on various subjects.

 Mathematics

Zero –The Most Powerful Tool

India invented the Zero, without which there would be no binary system. No

computers! Counting would be clumsy and cumbersome! The earliest recorded date,

an inscription of Zero on Sankheda Copper Plate was found in Gujarat, India

(585-586 CE). In Brahma-Phuta-Siddhanta of Brahmagupta (7th century CE), the

Zero is lucidly explained and was rendered into Arabic books around 770 CE. From

these it was carried to Europe in the 8th century. However, the concept of Zero

is referred to as Shunya in the early Sanskrit texts of the 4th century BCE and

clearly explained in Pingala’s Sutra of the 2nd century.

Geometry

Invention of Geometry

The word Geometry seems to have emerged from the Indian word ‘Gyaamiti’

which means measuring the Earth. And the word Trigonometry is similar to

‘Trikonamiti’ meaning measuring triangular forms. Euclid is credited with

the invention of Geometry in 300 BCE while the concept of Geometry in India

emerged in 1000 BCE, from the practice of making fire altars in square and

rectangular shapes. The treatise of Surya Siddhanta (4th century CE) describes

amazing details of Trigonometry, which were introduced to Europe 1200 years

later in the 16th century by Briggs.

The Value of Pi in India

The ratio of the circumference and the diameter of a circle are known as Pi,

which gives its value as 3,1428571. The old Sanskrit text Baudhayana Shulba

Sutra of the 6th century BCE mentions this ratio as approximately equal to 3.

Aryabhatta in 499, CE worked the value of Pi to the fourth decimal place as

3.1416. Centuries later, in 825 CE Arab mathematician Mohammed Ibna Musa says

that " This value has been given by the Hindus (Indians) " .

Pythagorean Theorem or Baudhayana Theorem?

The so-called Pythagoras Theorem – the square of the hypotenuse of a

right-angled triangle equals the sum of the square of the two sides – was

worked out earlier in India by Baudhayana in Baudhayana Sulba Sutra. He

describes: " The area produced by the diagonal of a rectangle is equal to the sum

of the area produced by it on two sides. "

[Note: Greek writers attributed the theorem of Euclid to Pythagoras]

Mathematics

The Decimal

100BCE the Decimal system flourished in India

" It was India that gave us the ingenious method of expressing all numbers by

means of ten symbols (Decimal System)….a profound and important idea which

escaped the genius of Archimedes and Apollonius, two of the greatest men

produced by antiquity. "

-La Place

Raising 10 to the Power of 53

The highest prefix used for raising 10 to a power in today’s maths is ‘D’

for 10 to a power of 30 (from Greek Deca). While, as early as 100 BCE Indian

Mathematicians had exact names for figures upto 10 to the power of 53.

ekam =1

dashakam =10

shatam =100 (10 to the power of 10)

sahasram =1000 (10 power of 3)

dashasahasram =10000 (10 power of 4)

lakshaha =100000 (10 power of 5)

dashalakshaha =1000000 (10 power of 6)

kotihi =10000000 (10 power of 7)

ayutam =1000000000 (10 power of 9) (1 BILLION)

niyutam = (10 power of 11)

kankaram = (10 power of 13)

vivaram = (10 power of 15)

paraardhaha = (10 power of 17)

nivahaaha = (10 power of 19)

utsangaha = (10 power of 21)

bahulam = (10 power of 23)

naagbaalaha = (10 power of 25)

titilambam = (10 power of 27)

vyavasthaana

pragnaptihi = (10 power of 29)

hetuheelam = (10 power of 31)

karahuhu = (10 power of 33)

hetvindreeyam = (10 power of 35)

samaapta lambhaha = (10 power of 37)

gananaagatihi) = (10 power of 39)

niravadyam = (10 power of 41)

mudraabaalam = (10 power of 43)

sarvabaalam = (10 power of 45)

vishamagnagatihi = (10 power of 47)

sarvagnaha = (10 power of 49)

vibhutangamaa = (10 power of 51)

tallaakshanam = (10 power of 53)

(In Anuyogdwaar Sutra written in 100 BCE one

numeral is raised as high as 10 to the power of 140).

Astronomy

Indian astronomers have been

mapping the skies for 3500 years.

1000 Years Before Copernicus

Copernicus published his theory of the revolution of the Earth in 1543. A

thousand years before him, Aryabhatta in 5th century (400-500 CE) stated that

the Earth revolves around the sun, " just as a person travelling in a boat feels

that the trees on the bank are moving, people on earth feel that the sun is

moving " . In his treatise Aryabhatteeam, he clearly states that our earth is

round, it rotates on its axis, orbits the sun and is suspended in space and

explains that lunar and solar eclipses occur by the interplay of the sun, the

moon and the earth.

The Law of Gravity - 1200 Years before Newton

The Law of Gravity was known to the ancient Indian astronomer Bhaskaracharya. In

his Surya Siddhanta, he notes:

" Objects fall on earth due to a force of attraction by the earth. Therefore, the

earth, the planets, constellations, the moon and the sun are held in orbit due

to this attraction " .

It was not until the late 17th century in 1687, 1200 years later, that Sir Isaac

Newton rediscovered the Law of Gravity.

Measurement of Time

In Surya Siddhanta, Bhaskaracharya calculates the time taken for the earth to

orbit the sun to 9 decimal places.

Bhaskaracharya = 365.258756484 days.

Modern accepted measurement = 365.2596 days.

Between Bhaskaracharya’s ancient measurement 1500 years ago and the modern

measurement the difference is only 0.00085 days, only 0.0002%.

34000TH of a Second to 4.32 Billion Years

India has given the idea of the smallest and the largest measure of time.

Krati Krati = 34,000th of a second

1 Truti = 300th of a second

2 Truti = 1 Luv

2 Luv = 1 Kshana

30 Kshana = 1 Vipal

60 Vipal = 1 Pal

60 Pal = 1 Ghadi (24 minutes)

2.5 Gadhi = 1 Hora (1 hour)

24 Hora = 1 Divas (1 day)

7 Divas = 1 saptaah (1 week)

4 Saptaah = 1 Maas (1 month)

2 Maas = 1 Rutu (1 season)

6 Rutu = 1 Varsh (1 year)

100 Varsh = 1 Shataabda (1 century)

10 Shataabda = 1 sahasraabda

432 Sahasraabda = 1 Yug (Kaliyug)

2 Yug = 1 Dwaaparyug

3 Yug = 1 Tretaayug

4 Yug = 1 Krutayug

10 Yug = 1 Mahaayug (4,320,000 years)

1000 Mahaayug = 1 Kalpa

1 Kalpa = 4.32 billion years (one day of Brahman) + 4.32 billion years (one

night of Brahman)

100 years = one life time of Brahman = 3.11 trillion years

Plastic Surgery in India 2600 Years Old

Shushruta, known as the father of surgery, practiced his skill as early as 600

BCE. He used cheek skin to perform plastic surgery to restore or reshape the

nose, ears and lips with incredible results. Modern plastic surgery acknowledges

his contributions by calling this method of rhinoplasty as the Indian method.

125 Types of Surgical Instruments

" The Hindus (Indians) were so advanced in surgery that their instruments could

cut a hair longitudinally " .

MRS Plunket

Shushruta worked with 125 kinds of surgical instruments, which included

scalpels, lancets, needles, catheters, rectal speculums, mostly conceived from

jaws of animals and birds to obtain the necessary grips. He also defined various

methods of stitching: the use of horse’s hair, fine thread, fibers of bark,

goat’s guts and ant’s heads.

300 Different Operations

Shushruta describes the details of more than 300 operations and 42 surgical

processes. In his compendium Shushruta Samhita he minutely classifies surgery

into 8 types:

Aharyam = extracting solid bodies

Bhedyam = excision

Chhedyam = incision

Aeshyam = probing

Lekhyam = scarification

Vedhyam = puncturing

Visraavyam = evacuating fluids

Sivyam = suturing

The ancient Indians were also the first to perform amputation, caesarean surgery

and cranial surgery. For rhinoplasty, Shushruta first measured the damaged nose,

skillfully sliced off skin from the cheek and sutured the nose. He then placed

medicated cotton pads to heal the operation.

India’s Contributions Acknowledged

Contributions

" It is true that even across the Himalayan barrier India has sent to the west,

such gifts as grammar and logic, philosophy and fables, hypnotism and chess, and

above all numerals and the decimal system. "

Will Durant (American Historian, 1885-1981)

Language

" The Sanskrit language, whatever be its antiquity, is of wonderful structure,

more perfect than the Greek, more copious than the Latin and more exquisitely

refined than either " .

 

Sir William Jones (British Orientalist, 1746-1794)

Philosophy

~If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of

its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life,

and has found solutions, I should point out to India " .

Max Muller (German Scholar, 1823-1900

Religion

" There can no longer be any real doubt that both Islam and Christianity owe the

foundations of both their mystical and their scientific achievements to Indian

initiatives " .

- Philip Rawson (British Orientalist)

Atomic Physics

" After the conversations about Indian philosophy, some of the ideas of Quantum

Physics that had seemed so crazy suddenly made much more sense " .

W. Heisenberg (German Physicist, 1901-1976)

Surgery

" The surgery of the ancient Indian physicians was bold and skilful. A special

branch of surgery was devoted to rhinoplasty or operations for improving

deformed ears, noses and forming new ones, which European surgeons have now

borrowed " .

Sir W.Hunter (British Surgeon, 1718-1783)

Literature

" In the great books of India, an Empire spoke to us, nothing small or unworthy,

but large, serene, consistent, the voice of an old intelligence which in another

age and climate had pondered and thus disposed of the questions that exercises

us " .

- R.W.Emerson (American Essayist, 1803-1882)

 

LET US NOT FAIL OR WAVER IN OUR DIVINE SERVICE OF OUR

MOTHER LAND.

Jai Bharat

 

Amazing Science (Part 4)

Grammar

Phonetics, Phonology, and Morphology

Panini's grammar has been evaluated from various points of view. After all these

different evaluations, I think that the grammar merits asserting ... that it is

one of the greatest monuments of human intelligence.

Panini

Article by: J J O'Connor and E F Robertson

School of Mathematics and Statistics

University of St Andrews, Scotland

 

Born: about 520 BC in Shalatula (near Attock),

now Pakistan Died: about 460 BC in India

Panini was born in Shalatula, a town near to Attock on the Indus River in

present day Pakistan. The dates given for Panini are pure guesses. Experts give

dates in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th century BC and there is also no agreement

among historians about the extent of the work which he undertook. What is in

little doubt is that, given the period in which he worked, he is one of the most

innovative people in the whole development of knowledge. We will say a little

more below about how historians have gone about trying to pinpoint the date when

Panini lived.

Panini was a Sanskrit grammarian who gave a comprehensive and scientific theory

of phonetics, phonology, and morphology. Sanskrit was the classical literary

language of the Indian Hindus and Panini is considered the founder of the

language and literature. It is interesting to note that the word " Sanskrit "

means " complete " or " perfect " and it was thought of as the divine language, or

language of the gods.

A treatise called Astadhyayi (or Astaka ) is Panini's major work. It consists of

eight chapters, each subdivided into quarter chapters. In this work Panini

distinguishes between the language of sacred texts and the usual language of

communication. Panini gives formal production rules and definitions to describe

Sanskrit grammar. Starting with about 1700 basic elements like nouns, verbs,

vowels, consonants he put them into classes. The construction of sentences,

compound nouns etc. is explained as ordered rules operating on underlying

structures in a manner similar to modern theory. In many ways Panini's

constructions are similar to the way that a mathematical function is defined

today. Joseph writes in [2]:-

Sanskrit's potential for scientific use was greatly enhanced as a result of the

thorough systemisation of its grammar by Panini.  On the basis of just under

4000 sutras [rules expressed as aphorisms], he built virtually the whole

structure of the Sanskrit language, whose general 'shape' hardly changed for the

next two thousand years. ... An indirect consequence of Panini's efforts to

increase the linguistic facility of Sanskrit soon became apparent in the

character of scientific and mathematical literature.

Joseph goes on to make a convincing argument for the algebraic nature of Indian

mathematics arising as a consequence of the structure of the Sanskrit language.

In particular he suggests that algebraic reasoning, the Indian way of

representing numbers by words, and ultimately the development of modern number

systems in India, are linked through the structure of language.

Panini should be thought of as the forerunner of the modern formal language

theory used to specify computer languages. The Backus Normal Form was discovered

independently by John BACKUS in 1959, but Panini's notation is equivalent in its

power to that of BACKUS and has many similar properties. It is remarkable to

think that concepts which are fundamental to today's theoretical computer

science should have their origin with an Indian genius around 2500 years ago.

At the beginning of this article we mentioned that certain concepts had been

attributed to Panini by certain historians which others dispute. One such theory

was put forward by B Indraji in 1876. He claimed that the Brahmi numerals

developed out of using letters or syllables as numerals. Then he put the

finishing touches to the theory by suggesting that Panini in the eighth century

BC (earlier than most historians place Panini) was the first to come up with the

idea of using letters of the alphabet to represent numbers.

There are a number of pieces of evidence to support Indraji's theory that the

Brahmi numerals developed from letters or syllables. However it is not totally

convincing since, to quote one example, the symbols for 1, 2 and 3 clearly don't

come from letters but from one, two and three lines respectively. Even if one

accepts the link between the numerals and the letters, making Panini the

originator of this idea would seem to have no more behind it than knowing that

Panini was one of the most innovative geniuses that world has known so it is not

unreasonable to believe that he might have made this step too.

There are other works which are closely associated with the Astadhyayi which

some historians attribute to Panini, others attribute to authors before Panini,

and others attribute to authors after Panini. This is an area where there are

many theories but few, if any, hard facts.

We also promised to return to a discussion of Panini's dates. There has been no

lack of work on this topic so the fact that there are theories which span

several hundreds of years is not the result of lack of effort, rather an

indication of the difficulty of the topic. The usual way to date such texts

would be to examine which authors are referred to and which authors refer to the

work. One can use this technique and see who Panini mentions.

There are ten scholars mentioned by Panini and we must assume from the context

that these ten have all contributed to the study of Sanskrit grammar. This in

itself, of course, indicates that Panini was not a solitary genius but, like

Newton, had " stood on the shoulders of giants " . Now Panini must have lived later

than these ten but this is absolutely no help in providing dates since we have

absolutely no knowledge of when any of these ten lived.

What other internal evidence is there to use? Well of course Panini uses many

phrases to illustrate his grammar and these have been examined meticulously to

see if anything is contained there to indicate a date. To give an example of

what we mean: if we were to pick up a text which contained as an example " I take

the train to work every day " we would know that it had to have been written

after railways became common. Let us illustrate with two actual examples from

the Astadhyayi which have been the subject of much study. The first is an

attempt to see whether there is evidence of Greek influence. Would it be

possible to find evidence which would mean that the text had to have been

written after the conquests of Alexander the Great? There is a little evidence

of Greek influence, but there was Greek influence on this north east part of the

Indian subcontinent before the time of Alexander. Nothing conclusive has been

identified.

Another angle is to examine a reference Panini makes to nuns. Now some argue

that these must be Buddhist nuns and therefore the work must have been written

after Buddha. A nice argument but there is a counter argument which says that

there were Jaina nuns before the time of Buddha and Panini's reference could

equally well be to them. Again the evidence is inconclusive.

There are references by others to Panini. However it would appear that the

Panini to whom most refer is a poet and although some argue that these are the

same person, most historians agree that the linguist and the poet are two

different people. Again this is inconclusive evidence.

Let us end with an evaluation of Panini's contribution by Cardona in [1]:-

Panini's grammar has been evaluated from various points of view. After all these

different evaluations, I think that the grammar merits asserting ... that it is

one of the greatest monuments of human intelligence.

Article by: J J O'Connor and E F Robertson

School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, Scotland

" Panini, famous grammarian of the Sanskrit language, lived in India some time

between the 7th and the 4th centuries B.C. Following in the steps of the Brahmi

alphabet makers, he became the most renowned of the grammarians. His work on

Sanskrit, with its 4,168 rules, is outstanding for its highly systematic methods

of analyzing and describing language.

The birth of linguistic science in Western Europe in the 19th century was due

largely to the European discovery of Panini's Sanskrit grammar, making

linguistics a science.

 

The modern science of linguistics is the basis for producing alphabets for

languages yet unwritten today. "

JAARS Alphabet Museum

Box 248

Waxhaw, NC 28173

Panini's grammar (6th century BCE or earlier) provides 4,000 rules that describe

the Sanskrit of his day completely. This grammar is acknowledged to be one of

the greatest intellectual achievements of all time. The great variety of

language mirrors, in many ways, the complexity of nature and, therefore, success

in describing a language is as impressive as a complete theory of physics. It is

remarkable that Panini set out to describe the entire grammar in terms of a

finite number of rules. Scholars have shown that the grammar of Panini

represents a universal grammatical and computing system. From this perspective

it anticipates the logical framework of modern computers. One may speak of a

Panini machine as a model for the most powerful computing system.

Source: Staal, F. 1988. Universals. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Panini was a Sanskrit grammarian who gave a comprehensive and scientific theory

of phonetics, phonology, and morphology. Sanskrit was the classical literary

language of the Indian Hindus.

In a treatise called Astadhyayi Panini distinguishes between the language of

sacred texts and the usual language of communication. Panini gives formal

production rules and definitions to describe Sanskrit grammar. The construction

of sentences, compound nouns etc. is explained as ordered rules operating on

underlying structures in a manner similar to modern theory.

Panini should be thought of as the forerunner of the modern formal language

theory used to specify computer languages. The Backus Normal Form was discovered

independently by John Backus in 1959, but Panini's notation is equivalent in its

power to that of Backus and has many similar properties.

 

LET US NOT FAIL OR WAVER IN OUR DIVINE SERVICE OF OUR

MOTHER LAND.

Jai Bharat

 

 

 

 

Vastu Shastra

&

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      

Gopurum of Temple built according to Vastu Shastra 

By Swami B. G. Narasingha

With the passing of the ages empires are created and destroyed, new cultures

appear and then again fade, like changing seasons into the shadows of eternity.

Vanishing into oblivion, all that remains of those that were once great and

powerful in this world are but a handful of relics. Time, the destroyer of all

things, vanquishes even the most invincible empires leaving behind their

remnants to be marveled at by future civilizations. And marvel we do at the

wonders of the past, especially the architectural wonders. Be it the pyramids of

Egypt, the cathedrals of Rome, the Parthenon of Athens, the Forbidden City in

Beijing, or Stonehenge, our mind is at once awed by the beauty and grandeur of

ancient architecture.

Vastu Sastra continued

Vastu Shastra & Sacred Vedic Architecture cont.

Until recent years modern society has viewed much of the world's ancient

architecture and art as " simply decorative " or, in a general sense, as a tribute

to God; not that it might have any " practical " function in helping us to

understand tha nature of the world we live in. However, recent studies in the

field of sacred architecture (Vastu Shastra) by men like Keith Critchlow of the

Royal College of Art in London have uncovered hidden dimensions revealing a

far-reaching connection between architecture and the nature of existence.

Critchlow, perhaps the best-known advocate of the theory of sacred architecture,

believes that basic architectural principles on the physical level are integral

with structure on the metaphysical level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yali, Protector of the Temple.

Most sacred architects maintain that the ultimate reality exists beyond the

mundane plane of temporary forms. As such, that higher reality, infinite in

nature, can make itself known to the finite living entities, in the world here

below. It does so through revealed forms which, while seemingly limited and

temporary, provide a bridge between the finite and the infinite.

Some regard the ideal forms of sacred Vastu architecture as metaphors while

others prefer to see them as fixed, eternal truths. In any case it is a fact

that sacred architectural forms (as presented in the Vastu Shastra) have the

ability to uplift the human consciousness from the mundane reality to the

supernatural.

William Irwin Thompson of the Lindisfarne Mountain Retreat in Colorado says

about his chapel, " Anyone entering our chapel-no matter what their

religion-would feel the sacred calling of the place and wish to sit in silence. "

Architect Michael Baron reports that people sometimes cry the first time they

enter the Lindisfarne Chapel. He explains, " They find it touches something very

familiar inside them. Others don't say a word; they sense the sacredness of the

place. They may not be sure what's going on, but they are affected by it. "

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout the world it's hard to find a place where sacred architecture is as

developed a science as is that found in India. India's ancient temples and

palaces are certainly among the finest ever built. From the Taj Mahal, the

seventh wonder of the world, to the Pagodas of Tamil Nadu, from the Himalayan

hill shrines to the great temple at Jagannatha Puri, India is a veritable

treasure-house of sacred architecture. In fact there are more existing examples

of sacred architecture in India than in all other countries of the world

combined.

The knowledge of sacred architecture in India has existed in the oral tradition

since before the Vedic Age, some five thousand years ago. From the oral

tradition it was later recorded in the Sanskrit mantras and compiled under the

title Vastu Shastra. According to Indian authorities the Vastu Shastra is

possibly the oldest known architectural treatise in the world today.

The word shastra means literature or more accurately " enlightened literature. "

The word vastu, meaning the manifest, comes from the word vustu, meaning the

unmanifest. The philosophical purport of the words vustu and vastu form the

basic concepts of India's sacred architecture and are among the first lessons

taught to the students of Vastu Shastra. That which is manifest in this world,

vastu, it is said, is originally existing on the plane of the transcendental or

unmanifest, vustu.

To instruct the beginning students of the Vastu Shastra about the meanings of

vustu and vastu, the unmanifest and the manifest realities, the example is used

of the moon and its reflection in water. " The moon is present in the sky, but

when rising above a lake it becomes visible or manifest in the water. In the

same way the origin of all things exists first in the eternal reality and then

becomes manifest here below in the world of gross sensual objects. " This simple

analogy demonstrates the nature of vustu, that which exists eternally, and

vastu, that which is temporarily manifest.

The students of the Vastu Shastra thus perceive existence in terms of two

dimensions: first the infinite spiritual realm and second the finite

accommodating space for insentient material objects. This concept of a superior

plane of existence, where the original form of things exist eternally, is the

basis of India's sacred architecture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maya danava, founder of sacred architecture

While researching sacred architecture we talked with Ganapati Sthapati, the

Senior Architect at the Government College of Architecture and Sculpture in

Mahabalipuram, South India. Sthapati informed us that the science of the Vastu

Shastra is traceable to at least the year 3000 B.C., if not before. The earliest

known master of the Vastu Shastra was Maya Danava, recognized as the founder of

the tradition of India's sacred architecture. Sthapati, who holds the esteemed

title Brahma Sri, awarded to him by the government of India for his achievements

in the field of architecture, further assured us that the science of Vastu

Shastra is a living tradition in India and is in no danger of becoming extinct.

We visited several classrooms at the college where students are taught the

variety of skills and techniques necessary in the science of sacred

architecture. Beginning with concept and design, the students are taught each

and every aspect of sacred architecture: geometry, drafting, stone sculpture,

bronze casting, wood carving, painting, etc. All the textbooks and reference

materials are written in Sanskrit, which every student is required to learn.

Those students who excel in all phases of sacred architecture will graduate with

a degree in architectue and receive the title Sthapati. Those students

specializing in a particular department of sacred architecture like sculpture or

painting become certified as Master Artisans. After earning a degree graduating

students will have the opportunity to apply their designing skills in building

temples and other facilities requiring knowledge of the Vastu Shastra.

Of all types of structures in the field of sacred architecture, the building of

a temple requires the utmost degree of knowledge and training. Those building a

house, a school or even an office building take into consideration the basic

knowledge of sacred architecture for successful execution; but the temple, being

the very abode of divinity, requires the greatest skills and is the most

painstaking in its execution. In the development of a temple project all phases

of construction from beginning to end are thought out and executed according to

the direction of the Vastu Shastra.

Ganapati Stapati, the Senior Architect at the

Vastu Government College of Architecture

First of all it is necessary to select a suitable place where the temple should

be built. The suitable choices are mentioned in the Vastu Sastra: " The best

location to build a temple is at a tirtha (holy place). " " A tirtha, " says

Ganapati Sthapati, " is a ford or crossing place from this world to the above-a

point of marriage between transcendence and the mundane. A tirtha provides a

crossing place for the upward journey of the soul and a place for the downward

crossing-for the crossing of higher entities who sometimes descend to this world

for the good of mankind. "

If construction of the temple at a tirtha is not possible then another

appropriate location should be found. The vastu shastra then says, " The temple

of Godhead should be situated in a beautiful place where rivers flow, on the

banks of a lake or by the seashore; on hill tops, mountain slopes, or in a

hidden valley. The site of the temple may be selected in a forest, a grove, or

in a beautiful garden. Temples should also be built in villages, towns and

cities or on an island, surrounded by water. "

Next a construction plan is required and here begins the highly technical aspect

of sacred architecture-to bring about the descent or manifestation of the

unmanifest and unseen. Ganapati Sthapati explained this process to us in great

detail. " The architect or Sthapati begins by drafting a square. The square is

literally the fundamental form of sacred architecture in India. It is considered

the essential and perfect form. It presupposes the circle and results from it.

Expanding energy shapes the circle from the center; it is established in the

shape of the square. The circle and curve belong to life in its growth and

movement. The square is the mark of order, the finality to the expanding life,

life's form and the perfection beyond life and death. From the square all

requisite forms can be derived: the triangle, hexagon, octagon, circle etc. The

architect calls this square the vastu-purusha-mandala—vastu the manifest,

purusha the Cosmic Being, and

mandala, in this case, the polygon.

" When completed the vastu-purusha-mandala will represent the manifest form of

the Cosmic Being; upon which the temple is built and in whom the temple rests.

The temple is situated in Him, comes from Him, and is a manifestation of Him.

The vastu-purusha-mandala is a mystical diagram. It is both the body of the

Cosmic Being and a bodily device by which those who have the requisite knowledge

attain the best results in temple building. "

The conception of the " Cosmic Being " as a person has held a prominent place in

Indian theistic thought since time immemorial. We were shown an interesting

quotation in the ancient Sanskrit literature that illustrates the personal

features of the Cosmic Being. " The planetary systems in space from the highest

down to the lowest represent the head, neck, chest, thighs, legs and feet,

respectively, of the Great Universal Being. His arms are the divine entities

headed by Indra, the ten directional sides are His ears, and physical sound is

His sense of hearing. His mouth is blazing fire. The sphere of outer space

constitutes His eye sockets and the eyeball is the sun as the power of seeing.

The rivers are His veins, the trees are the hair of His body and the omnipotent

air is His breath. The passing ages are His movements. " [1] The perception of the

Cosmic Being is considered to be the preliminary stage of self-realization and

thereby a qualified form of

pantheism.which gradually leads one to understand the personal feature of the

transcendent Godhead.

The concept of spirituality in the system of sacred architecture in India is

something that goes beyond the mere static relations between inert objects and

space as found in other architectural traditions. The relationship of objects

with one another and space in India's sacred architecture extends to include

higher entities said to be in charge of various aspects of universal affairs,

all of whom carry out their work in accordance with the will of God.

In order to establish the vastu-purusha-mandala on the construction site, it is

first drafted on planning sheets and later drawn upon the earth at the actual

building site. The knowledge of its meaning and execution is the first

discipline which the architect must master and it requires in-depth

understanding of astrology. The drawing of the mandala upon the earth at the

commencement of construction is a sacred rite in itself. The rites and execution

of the vastu-purusha-mandala, for which a priest will also be summoned later on,

are not accessory nor are they a mere accompaniment to the temple. They sustain

the temple in their own sphere of effectiveness to the same extent that the

actual foundation supports its weight.

Based on astrological calculations the border of the vastu-purusha-mandala is

subdivided into thirty-two smaller squares called nakshatras. These nakshatras

correspond to the constellations or lunar mansions through which the moon passes

in its monthly course. The number thirty-two geometrically results from a

repeated division of the border of the single square. It denotes four times the

eight positions in space: north, east, south, west, and their intermediate

points. The closed polygon of thirty-two squares is now symbolical of the

recurrent cycles of time as calculated by the movements of the moon. Each of the

nakshatras is ruled over by a divine entity, called a deva, which extends its

influence to the mandala. Outside the mandala lie the four directions, symbolic

of the meeting of heaven and earth and which also represent the ecliptic of the

sun-east to west and its rotation to the northern and southern hemispheres..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The center of the mandala is called the station of Brahma, the first of beings

and the engineer of universal order. Surrounding Brahma are the places of twelve

other entities known as the sons of Aditi, who assist in the affairs of

universal management. The remaining empty squares represent the akasha or pure

space. The vastu-purusha-mandala is now complete, forming a sort of map or

diagram of astrological influences that constitute the order of the universe and

the destinies of human lives. When placed on the building site the

vastu-purusha-mandala determines the time for beginning construction. Only by

the combination of the vastu-purusha-mandala and astrological calculations can

this factor be ascertained.

The temple itself should always face east as that is considered the most

auspicious direction-the place of origin of the sun. From the east appears the

rising sun, the destroyer of darkness. The sun is the giver of life. It brings

joy and happiness and is the watchful eye of the " Cosmic Being. " The vastu

shastra states that a building with improper proportions and wrong orientation

will create an environment which is conducive to disturbances like disease,

death and destruction, and may be inhabited by subtle entities with envious and

deceitful natures.

As we learned more and more about the science of sacred architecture, it became

apparent that the construction of a domestic building or of a temple is

something like the birth of a human being-who according to the time and place of

his birth will come under certain astrological influences throughout life. The

time of construction, the place and position of a structure are all important

factors for the future of the building. Therefore, according to the vastu

shastra, all structures should be erected according to auspicious astrological

calculations to assure successful execution, longevity, and lasting prosperity.

From the diagram of the vastu-purusha-mandala the architect next proceeds to

develop the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the temple. Here too a wide

range of factors must be taken into consideration. To guide the sacred architect

of today a long and rich tradition of already existing temples and sacred

buildings in India serves as a great inspiration to his work. The architect's

creative intelligence will be an all-important ingredient in the final design,

while the mandala and the vastu shastra will continue to be the tools of his

execution.

The size of the structure will determine the various kinds of building materials

to be used at different stages of the construction. Building materials like

stone, marble, brick, plaster, wood, etc., are selected for the main body of the

temple, whereas elements like gold and silver will be used for final

ornamentation. Only organic materials are used in sacred architecture. Manmade

materials like simulated marble, plastic and asbestos are not acceptable

building materials. The reason being that inorganic materials are not considered

adequate conductors of cosmic energies.

The plotting graphs of the temple are divided into two main sections-the ground

plan and the vertical alignment. The square, the rectangle, the octagon and the

pentagon are fundamental patterns in the horizontal or ground plan. In the

vertical alignment the pyramid, the circle and the curve are most prominent. The

subdivisions of the ground plan include the brahmasthana (the main shrine and

smaller chapels) and the mandapam (balconies, assembly halls and auditoriums).

The vertical plan consists of drawings for the gopuram (entrance ways), the

vimana (the structure above the main shrine or chapel) and the prakara (the

walls).

The brahmasthana is said to be the principal location in a temple since it is

here that the seat of Godhead will eventually be placed. At the base of the

foundation of the brahmasthana, located at the station of Brahma on the

vastu-purusha-mandala, a ritual is performed called garbhadhana, the ritual

which invites the soul of the temple to enter within the buildings confines. In

this ritual a brahmin, priest, places a golden box in the earth during the

ground-breaking ceremonies. The interior of the box is divided into smaller

units exactly resembling the vastu-purusha-mandala. All the units of the gold

box are first partially filled with dirt. In the thirty-two units representing

the nakshatras (lunar mansions), the units of Brahma and the twelve sons of

Aditi, the priest places an appropriate mantra in written form to invoke the

presence of the corresponding divinity.

The Sanskrit mantras chanted by the priest are in no way less important than the

mandala itself. The mandala having set up an archetypal diagram of universal

order, the mantra infuses the mandala with spiritual powers. The mantras chanted

by the priest are distinct from ordinary mundane sounds. Mantras, composed of

" atomic " monosyllabic sounds derived from the Sanskrit alphabet, are said to be

non-different from the very substance which they invoke. The mantras are the

subtle form of the mandala and are inseparable from it. As the architect must

have undergone extensive training in the field of sacred architecture and

astrology to construct the mandala, similarly the brahmin who chants the mantras

must also have requisite knowledge of the science of sacred sound vibrations.

In the unit of Brahma a golden serpent with many raised hoods is placed. The

serpent form is then surrounded with nine precious jewels or navaratna. Ananta

represents the energy which supports the very existence of the universe. The

universe rests in space and that space is the energy of Godhead appearing as

Ananta. The nine jewels- diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, yellow sapphire,

blue sapphire, red coral, cats-eye and jade-invoke the astrological influence of

the nine planets.

A gold lid with the seven continents of the earth engraved on it is placed on

top of the box. When this is done the priest then performs the ritual sacrifice

or sanctification ceremony called agni-hotra, the fire sacrifice. During the

agni-hotra the priest offers clarified butter, the symbol of religious

principles, into the fire, which represents the mouth of the Cosmic Being. Along

with the offering of clarified butter five types of grains-rice, wheat, barley,

rye and dhal, all produced of the earth-are also offered in the fire. This too

is performed with the chanting of mantras.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jagannatha Puri Temple

Once the garbhadhana and agni-hotra ceremonies are complete the actual

construction of the temple takes place according to the previous preparations.

When the foundation is finished the vertical structure is raised and the body of

the Cosmic Being becomes visible to the naked eye. The external features of the

temple are brought to life through finely sculpted figures and paintings. The

art and sculpture frequently portray the forms of divine entities and the

different stages of consciousness in the gradual evolution of life throughout

the universe. This is no less exacting a science than that of the architect or

of the brahmin priest. Muthai Sthapati, an instructor at the Goverment College

Architecture, pointed out that it is often the work of the master artisan,

through painting and sculpture, that most enables one to perceive the actual

sacredness of the temple.

The prakaras or walls that fortify the temple may vary in size and number

according to the dimensions of the temple. Larger temples, like the one in Sri

Rangam, are sometimes surrounded by up to seven concentric walls which represent

the seven layers of matter-earth, water, fire, air, either, mind and

intelligence-that cover the original consciousness of the living entities in the

material world. The gopurams, or gateways through the prakaras, are symbolic of

being liberated from the bondage of matter as one enters the temple and proceeds

toward the central shrine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solid gold vimana above the Deity

at Shri Rangam Temple

The vimana or tower, also called the shikara, is raised to its final height

above the sanctum as the last stones are put into place. Resembling a great

mountain, the vimana is crowned with a golden spire called kailash, the heavenly

abode. At the sides of the vimana are fixed the fierce faces of Yali, the

protector of the temple. The temple is now ready for the ceremony known as

pratistasthana, the installation of the deity. The scared altar in the

brahmasthana, central shrine, is located directly above the gold box, placed in

the earth during the garbhadhana ceremony. Here on the sacred altar representing

the heart of the Cosmic Being, the deity of Godhead called the archa-vigraha,

the manifest form of total divinity is installed. The mandala, the mantra, and

above all the sincerity and faith of the participants combine together to invoke

the appearance of Godhead. The universe is the manifestation of the divine form

of Godhead in the world of mundane

existence. The body of the temple is the representation of that cosmic form,

whereas the archa-vigraha is the manifestation of the transcendental form of

Godhead descending from beyond the mundane. The ceremony for installing the

deity is performed with great pomp and upon its completion the temple is

complete..

There are altogether forty-five basic varieties of temples mentioned in the

vastu shastra. These too have their many variations and thus the styles of

sacred temple architecture in India are as unlimited and diverse as the very

nature of the infinite being they represent.

From the drawing table to the finished product of a gorgeous temple, sacred

architecture in India is a science and a work of art. Moreover it is an attempt

to raise the human consciousness to the stage of self-realization where one

ultimately sees Godhead everywhere, in all things, and at all times.

References:

1. Keith Critchlow, Order in Space, Thimes and Hudson (1969).

2. Kramrisch, Stella, The Hindu Temple, Motilas Banarsidas, N. Delhi (1976)

Reprinted from Clarion Call Magazine by permission.

 

 

--- On Sun, 8/3/08, Ravishankar Gopal <ravishankar_g wrote:

 

Ravishankar Gopal <ravishankar_g

[Vedic Wisdom] What is called Agama, Temples and similar Questions

" asthika samaj " <asthikasamaj, " parama acharya "

<paramaacharya >, iyer123 , " Bangalore iyers "

<bangaloreiyers >, " 4Brahmins " <4brahmins >,

" Telugubhakti " , " telugupeople "

<telugupeople >, " iyengar " <iyengarsunited >,

" malaysianhindu " <malaysianhinduism >, " caribbeans Hindus "

<caribbeanhindus >, " hinduism " <hinduism >,

" hinduscanada " <hindus, " hindusociety "

<hindu_society_korea >, " Hinduyouths "

<hinduyouths >, " janoi " <janoi >, " vedic wisdom "

, " vedicliterature "

<vedicliteraturethesupremescience >, " ozhindus "

<ozhindu >, " Htsyouth " <htsyouth >, " Brahmin

association " <BRAHMIN-ASSOCIATION-owner, " brahminsgroup "

<brahminsgroup >, " FHRS_USA " <FHRS_USA >,

" jaimaamaharani " <jaimaamaharani, " jaimaatha "

<jaimaathawewali >, " usbrahmins " <usbrahmins >,

" delhindu " <delhindu >

Sunday, August 3, 2008, 5:25 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

Radhe Krishna To All,

 

What is called as 'Agama?'

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

The makings of deities of Gods, consecrating it, performing puja, were all

brought under the norms of the Shastras. This is called as 'Agama' Shastra.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

How many 'Agamas' are there?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

There are twenty-eight 'Saiva' Agamas and two 'Vaishnava' Agamas. 'Vaishnava'

Agamas consists of two groups viz. 'Vaikanasam' and 'Pancharatram' . The former

is based on the Vedas but the later was formed separately without any Vedic

leaning. 'Sakta' Agamas are based on Devi puja. These belong to States of Bengal

and Orissa. They are also called 'Vamaccharam' .

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

Is 'Vastu' Shastra a part of 'Agama' Shastra?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

Yes. 'Vastu'Shastra is a part of 'Agama' Shastra. The principles of 'Vastu' find

a place in 'Shilpa'(sculpt idols) Shastra, too. 'Vasi' and 'Tatu' put together

form what is called as 'Vastu'.

 

*This provides the guidelines for the construction of a building.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

Streets run around the Temples. Does this, too, fall under the guidelines of

'Vastu' Shastra?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

In every Town it is the practice to build a Temple either in its center or in

its Southern corner. And the houses are placed (built) depending on the location

of the temple. This is also as per 'Vastu' tradition.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

What does 'Garbadanam' mean?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

A vessel made of either silver, gold or bronze is placed below the Sanctom

Sanctorum of the Temple where the 'Moola Murti' (Main Deity) is to be

consecrated. This practice of burying the vessel below the earth is called

'Garbadanam' . Water from the holy rivers, soil from holy places, 'navaratnam'

(nine kinds of gems), 'navadaniyam' (nine kinds of grains), etc. are dropped

into this hole. The weapons of the particular God to be consecrated in this

Temple are also placed in it. For e.g. if the main deity is Lord Vishnu then His

five weapons namely 'Gada', 'Katgam', 'Sarngam', 'Shankam', 'Chakram', will be

placed here.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

How does the idol in a Temple acquire the 'sanithyam' (the power)?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

Vedam consists of six parts. A Temple also has six prominent parts - Adishtanam,

Pikti, Prastaram, Peevam, Sigaram, Stupi. These six parts are complementary to

each other. They should not change in any way. If changed the deity loses its

'sanithyam'. While in the initial stage of making the idols, viz. waxing,

shaping the clay, making the mould, they should be done amidst loud chanting of

mantras. That is, the work should be carried out while listening to the mantras.

Only then the 'bimbamurti' (the form of the idol) will become a 'mantramurti' (a

form with power). Power gets into it only through Bhakti and Mantras. That idol

which has been installed without mantra consecration will be lifeless.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

What is the proof ('pramana') that the Presence ('sanidhya) of Bhagavan is found

only in the Sanctum Sanctorum ('garbagraha' ) of a temple?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

“In several other parts of a big temple we find other forms ('roopa') of the

Deity (Murti) found in the Sanctum sanctorum. These deities are found to be in

similar style ('amaippu'). In some temples these are found to be more beautiful

and at times bigger than the Main Deity. But, people do not feel devotion and

faith (bhakti-shraddha) on seeing these deities. This is because these deities

do not possess the 'sanidhya'

------------ --------- --------- --------- ----

In which part of a Town should the Temple of Lord MahaVishnu be constructed?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

MahaVishnu Temple should be constructed on the western side of the Town's

Centerpoint. To its North-western corner, Lord Shiva's Temple should be

constructed.

 

Nearby should be the Temple of the 'Sapta Madar' (seven Goddesses). This is the

reason that Goddess Durga also bears the name of 'Vadavayil Selvi' (Lady of the

Northern door). It is also the practice to build Lord Subrahmanya' s Temple

close to MahaVishnu Temple. It became the practice to place 'ugra murthys'

(deities/gods of fiery temperament) on the outskirts. But, it has also been the

tradition to consecrate these deities along with 'Thayar' (Goddess) so as to

calm them down.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

What is the significance of 'Nivedanam' and 'Deepa Aradhana' in our Puja?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

Raja Yoga has eight steps or 'angas' towards the final goal. The rituals and

rites have their own procedures. Likewise, 'Niyama Puja' (Pujas as prescribed by

the Shastras) have 16 'angas' or parts like 'Aavahanam', 'Aachamanam' etc. Of

these, 'Nivedhanam' and 'Deepa Aradhana' are key aspects. So we perform at least

these two as a part of our daily pujas.

 

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In Temples, why is 'teertha prasad' given three times?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

'Teertha prasad' is given three times to protect one from untimely (unnatural)

death, to destroy all the sins and for cure from all diseases.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

While there are innumerable ancient Temples in dilapidated state new Temples

keep sprouting up! Even the simple, daily pujas are not being performed

properly. Why?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

May be people think that Temple construction/ renovation bestows 'punya'

(merits)! This sad state of affair would not exist if one remembers that

performance of proper and regular puja and proper maintenance of the Temple is

also necessary following its construction/ renovation.

____________ _________ _________ _________ _

 

Some people build temples but do not bother to maintain it and arrange for the

daily conduct of puja. Why does this happen?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

This is because people think that one can earn merits ('punya') just by building

temples and that temples are built only to earn merits.

 

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Can women do Sashtanga Namaskar?

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

According to the scriptures, only men are permitted to perform Sashtanga

Namaskar.

 

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There is a Perumal temple in my native village that is locked up most of the

time and the ‘Archaka’ would not hand over the keys or responsibilities to

anyone. I requested them to take measures to have it renovated, however no one

is willing to take responsibility. Every other small temple by the roadside

becomes famous in no time, but this ancient temple is in a sad state. When will

this be renovated? It is my ambition to have it renovated.

 

Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji:

 

One can become rich by honest earnings or through unlawful means. However the

second path is not permanent.

 

In the same way, a temple becomes famous by its ‘sannidhyam’ (presence of

divinity of the Lord). It could become popular through publicity etc., but that

is not permanent.

 

In order to bring about Sannidhyam in the temple, organize Akhanda Maha Mantra

Kirtan for 7/24 in the temple precincts with not less than 3 bhaktas chanting at

any point in time.

 

When this is performed. The Lord will show a way out and a solution towards

renovation will definitely be born.

 

 

Regards

 

Please Chant

 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

 

and be happy

 

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If you have any questions or doubts concerning Spirituality, Mental peace or

problems in life or about dharma, please write to us by clicking here:

 

http://www.namadwaa r.org/answers/ askquestion. php

 

His Holiness Sri Sri Swamiji personally answers these questions for you and

suggests prayers.

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